The best time for Annapurna Circuit Trek is Spring and Autumn though it can be done all round the year. Annapurna, the blend of myth, history, natural splendor, physical challenges and spiritual fulfillment is the microcosm of Nepal’s natural beauty. The Annapurna Circuit Trek offers diverse landscapes, stunning mountains views, cultural and ethnic diversity, hot springs, temples and mesmerizing wilderness. This startling trek circles the Annapurna Massifs. This leaves sublime experiences within you even after completing your journey.
The Blend of History and Natural Splendor
In Annapurna I, which is 8,091m (26,545 ft.) was the first mountain over 8000 meters that was successfully summited on 3rd June, 1950. They were Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal, part of French expeditions who created landmark in mountaineering history and this was done three years before Mount Everest (8848.86) was climbed in 1953.Since, then many mountaineers climbed Annapurna I and is still popular among many climbers. There are only 14 mountains in the world over 8,000 meters, and Annapurna is one of them. It is one of the deadliest peaks, which has highest fatality- to – summit ratios among all 14 highest peaks.
Two decades after the first successful ascent of Annapurna I, the Annapurna Circuit Trek was opened for trekkersin the late 1970s. This trek circles the Annapurna Massif, offering eyes catching sights of peaks such as Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri(8,167m), Manaslu, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). The circuit became one of the renowned trekking destinations in Nepal and in the world too.
One of the most adventurous trek, where you will explore divers landscape and unmatched beauty of nature, which changes over the course as you begin your journey. As your trek starts from the lush of green foothills of the Marshyangdi River Valley, reaching subtropical forests, where you can see subtropical vegetation and when your trails gains altitude, you will delve deep into the beauty of pine forests, rocky cliffs and mesmerizing alpine meadows.
As your ascent higher altitude the environment becomes drier and more rugged and you no longer see greenery but the barren hills, extended landscape with roof of clouds and skies, a surrounding covered with prayer flags, and houses made up of mud, stones and bricks. The landscape lies surrounded by sparkling snow- capped peaks. The Thorang La Pass (5,416 m), the climax of landscape, and considered as most challenging and dangerous sections of this trek but, it is worth reaching there as you are rewarded with panoramic views of towering Himalayan giants and glacial valleys.
After you proceed you journey from this pass, the trail descends into the deepest gorge in the world which is Kali Gandaki Gorge, flanked by Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. So, this is the amazing trek where you can experience extraordinary variations of landscapes, natural vegetation and sceneries.
How Annapurna Circuit Trek is Physically Challenging
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a semi –circular route which circles the Annapurna Massif in central Nepal. The trek begins from 760 meter heights reaching its massive elevation gain up to 5,416 meter. This trekking journey coves 160-230 Km which usually takes more than a week to complete journey. Oxygen level significantly decrees above 3,000 m, which makes every step bit harder. Many parts of the trail involve steep uphill climbs and long downhill stretches demanding more physical strength. The terrain is uneven, rocky, and slippery sometimes due to snow and rain. Cold weather at high altitudes require strong physical and mental resilience. Due to high altitude you might suffer altitude sickness, headaches and other physical problems.
Although, these challenges that we face in our journey can be overcome with proper physical exercise and acclimatization. Wearing proper trekking gears and eating healthy food can make your journey easy and comfortable.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek as Spiritually Fulfilling Journey
This trek is deeply rooted with ancient landscapes, many sacred places, temples, monasteries, chortens and diverse cultures, the experiences often becomes a path of self-discovery, the journey of exploring inner peace and self-realization.
You will get a golden chance to worship Muktinath Temple (3,800) which is one of the major holy site for both Hindus and Buddhist, it is considered a place of liberation and spiritual cleansing. There are 108 waterspouts where Hindu believed it will wash away sins and Buddhist see it as a place where the five element meet – earth, sky, fire, water and air.
Through the trek, especially in Himalayan region Manang, Braga, and Pisang, you encounter many Buddhist monasteries, Chortens, prayers wheels and stones walls carved with Tibetan mantras. You develop spiritual connection with nature as you walk through the raw beauty of Annapurna region- from towering peaks and solitude valleys to sunrise and sunset over whitening snow- capped mountains. Walking through meadow miles away from hustle and bustle of city life, exploring things in your own or with very loving one gives space for self- reflections and mindfulness. This journey helps you to find yourself, build your emotional strength, mental stability and spiritual awareness within you.
The Best Season for Annapurna Circuit Trek
Selecting the right season for any trek is very crucial, choosing the right time gives you best memories, ensures safety, clear views of scenery and better trails conditions and comfortable weather. Among four seasons Spring and Autumn are considered as the best seasons to explore the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Discussing each and every season in details.
Annapurna Circuit Trek in Spring Season (March- May)
Spring is the best season for Annapurna Circuit Trek, with weather warm and stable. Temperatures become mild and comfortable. The ideal season for those who want to see nature blooming and spreading its beauty on its peak. The season offers you to explore amazing wilderness, vibrant colors of blooming rhododendrons, magnolia and many other wildflowers. Himalayan flora sprouts out at its best making forest luxuriant. The mountains views are eyes- catching, and skies may become slightly hazy toward the end of May. This is also the best season for wildlife activities like birdwatching and spotting rare Himalayan fauna. You will delve deep into the great alpine views when you reach at Yak Kharka(4,450 m.) and Thorog Phedi (4,450m).
In this season, conditions of trails become less slippery, rivers manageable to cross, and passes more accessible, making you journey comfortable. The trekking route become slightly less congested than autumn which makes your journey peaceful.
Annapurna Circuit Trek in Autumn Season (September- November)
Autumn is the peak season for Annapurna Circuit Trek, attracting thousands of trekkers each year. It offers clear skies, air becomes crisp and mountains spark at their fullest. Autumn is the perfect blend of stable weather, ideal temperature and breathtaking scenery. During this season you can see picturesque views of startling Annapurna (8,167 m), Machhapuchhere (6,993), Tilicho Peak and Gangapurna.
The time of best long- distance visibility, the air become fresh and rejuvenating. Landscape during this season undergoes dramatic transformation from wilderness, to golden- hued rice fields, and stunning streams and rivers which adds excitement and energy to the journey. The trails become dry, and safe making your journey comfortable and secure. In autumn there is very high chance to spot different kinds of Himalayan fauna like blue sheep and Himalayan Thar.
Besides these all, autumn coincides with Nepal’s biggest festivals Dashain and Tihar, which gives you a unique opportunity to witness local culture and traditions, enjoy festive environment and get chance to interact with local people celebrating joyous occasions together. As this is peak season of a year so, booking your accommodations early is very important.
Annapurna Circuit Trek in Monsoon Season (June- August)
If you chose to trek Annapurna Circuit during monsoon you have to be more cautious, the region receives heavy rainfall in lower areas, due to the southwest monsoon winds. The trail becomes very slippery, muddy, and wet, with frequent landslide and very poor visibility. However, not all parts of the circuit are equally affected, Manang and Mustang receive significantly less rainfall than other parts of circuit. This makes them relatively safer and enjoyable during monsoon. During this season forests are covered with lush green grasses, rivers are full, waterfalls are at their most powerful state, making natural beauty mesmerizing and breathing.
The trails are less crowded, teahouses are quieter, you can get food and accommodations in very reasonable price. You can enjoy more peaceful time with yourself and with nature. To trek during this season is possible only with proper gears and planning. But still it is not ideal for completing the entire Annapurna Circuit.
Annapurna Circuit Trek in Winter Season (December – February)
The very coldest months of a year fall in this season, making Annapurna Circuit Trek more challenging and physically demanding experiences. Winter is the month of heavy snowfall, which makes trail frozen, icy and slippery. Due to heavy snowfall, particularly near the Thorang La Pass (5,416 m), also known as climax of trails often get closed for several days or even weeks. The climate turns extremely cold and harsh which cause very high risk of frostbite and altitude sickness.
Besides these challenges, if you decide to explore Annapurna Circuit during winter you won’t be disappointed because winter offers you strikingly beautiful mountains, crystal clear skies and stunning snow- capped Himalayas peaks. The trail becomes less crowded offering you peaceful environment, solitude and raw Himalayan beauty. To enjoy these all you have to have experiences and proper preparations for everything.
Due to very harsh and extremely cold weather many teahouses and lodges in Himalayas region close, so you have to pay extra attention to manage accommodations and food. As this season is not and ideal season to explore Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Conclusion
So, summing up your journey of Annapurna Circuit Trek choosing season depends exclusively on your interest and preferences. If you want to explore lush of green forests, blooming flora and lively natural beauty, spring can be the best choice to make and if you want clear skies, picturesque landscapes, panoramic sights of mountains and different kinds of fauna, autumn can be the best season to enjoy these all and on the other hand, monsoon and winter seasons are not ideal for this circuit because of unpredictable and harsh weather conditions. But if you are considering it, you have to have experienced guide and proper preparations. And we are here to help you always.
If you are interested in learning the myth about Annapurna mountain and how it was named please, check the details below.