Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty

Annapurna Circuit trek, one of the most demanding, adventurous, a bit challenging and moderately strenuous treks of Annapurna Section. In this trek, pass one of the high elevated passes-Thorong La, situated at 5416m above the sea level to complete this trek.

To complete this journey successfully, you need to walk around 5-7 hours each day. You can be prepared yourselves by Cycling, hiking, swimming, and jogging and some other cardiovascular activities.

Following tips may be useful to understand the factors responsible to make the Annapurna Circuit Trek difficult.

Trek Duration

Normally the duration of this trek is of 18 days including your arrival and departure.  The number of the days can be extended or reduced according to your pace, the days you spend on trekking and so forth. The trek depends upon where do you start your journey and where do you end as well.

Next, the duration of trek is about 5 to 6 hours each day except in the day of Thorong-La Pass. This day you need to walk around 8 to 9 hours following steep ascends and descends.

Trek Distance

Depending upon the starting and ending point the total distance of the trek is 160 – 230 km. The trial is quite easier in the lower elevation, hilly regions, however walking in the higher elevation, is a bit strenuous.

Throughout the journey you should walk 8 to 15 km each day passing steep rock-strewn terrains, pastureland, or even snow somewhere.

Altitude Sickness

As you are heading towards the higher elevation, Acute Mountain Sickness is possible if your body does not acclimatize properly and get plenty of water.

The level of the oxygen gets thinner and thinner in the higher altitude. Therefore, acclimatizing in the different points such as Manang village should not be ignored during this trek. Acclimatization helps to be adjusted in the elevation.

Further, get yourself hydrated, stay away alcoholic beverages to be prevented yourself from AMS.

Weather and Temperature

Weather and Temperature is another factor which determines the easiness of the trek. In the Himalayas, the weather is quite unpredictable which radically changes which leads the certain change in temperature as well.

You should start your journey choosing best time and weather. For this it is suggested to trek in Autumn and Spring seasons. In these seasons weather and temperature are favorable that attract chiliads of trekkers from worldwide.

Proper Training

As you are trekking elevating 5,416m above the sea level, it can be somehow technical, challenging and strenuous as well.  Therefore, preparation is crucial. Doing some physical activities such as hiking, cycling, running, swimming, going to gym is suggested before planning for the trekking which plays a crucial role in making your treks easy.

Next, trekking in the Himalayas is not race. Maintain your own pace while hiking. Do not compete anyone in the trek that helps reducing your stress and makes the journey easier.