Accommodation
You can find teahouses as you go throughout the Annapurna Circuit trail. These are simple lodges owned by local families. You get a simple room with two beds and shared bathrooms. Blankets are offered, but take a sleeping bag for higher altitudes. Warm showers are available, but you'll have to pay $2 - $5 for them, and they may not exist above 4000m.
Food is offered at each tea house. The menus are pretty much the same from one circuit to another. The most common and nutritious is dal bhat (lentils over rice). There's also Western food such as pizza and pasta, but it's more expensive. At high altitudes, stick to vegetarian meals as meat spoils more quickly.
Most lodges charge for wifi and to charge up your batteries. The further you climb, the pricier these services get. Cell phone signals function in most villages, and diminish as elevation increases above Manang.
Safety & Health Tips
The biggest risk on this trek is altitude sickness. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and even difficult sleeping. So, ascend gradually and drink at least 3-4 liters of water per day. Don't ignore severe symptoms like confusion or trouble breathing. In that case, descend immediately if symptoms worsen.
Also, bring a simple first aid kit that includes a pain reliever, band-aids, and altitude sickness medication. Some trekkers find that taking Diamox helps them acclimate, and if you take it, consult a doctor. Plus, travel insurance, which has helicopter evacuation coverage, is a necessity.
The mountains are subject to sudden changes of weather. So, wear layers you can add or take off without too much trouble. Also, make sure to check the weather conditions in Manang before crossing Thorong La Pass. Don't try the pass in bad weather.
Emergency contact numbers:
Nepal Police: 100
Tourist Police: +977-1-4247041
Himalayan Rescue Association: +977-985-1071665
Best Time to Trek
October and November are the ideal months to do the Annapurna Circuit. At this time, we'll have clear, stable weather and fantastic mountain views. That said, these being the high months, tea houses can become full. So book early if you're trekking in the month of October.
The months of spring (from around March to April) are also good. The weather gets hotter; Rhododendron forests bloom at lower altitudes. The skies aren't as clear as in the autumn, but they're clear enough for hiking. For seasonal information, also see our Best time to trek Annapurna Circuit guide.
Avoid June to August months. Trails become muddy, sloppy and slippery as monsoon rains arrive. Clouds are in the way of the mountains, and leeches thrive at lower altitudes because of it. The pass can be dangerous in poor condition because of snow and low visibility.
Winter runs from December to February. Heavy snow often makes the pass impassable. What's more, the temperature at night is below zero degrees. So, anyone who is seasoned winter trekkers, only they should do the circuit during these months.
What to Pack During the Trek
If you pack light, trekking is going to be more comfortable, but you need essential items for safety and comfort. Here's what to bring:
- Backpack: 40-50 liter capacity
- Sleeping bag: rated for -10C minimum sleeping bag
- Hiking boots: Worn in, no ankle support
- Warm baffled jacket: Down or synthetic fill
- Rainwear: Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Base: Thermal tops and bottoms
- Trekking pants: Quick-dry material
- Warm hat and warm gloves: For pass day
- Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
- Water bottles: Two 1-liter bottles
- Headlamp: With extra batteries
- Emergency first aid kit: Essential medicine and bandages
- Personal Items: Eco-friendly soap, toilet paper or tissues and disinfectant hand wipes
- Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, chocolate
Don't overpack. Climbing equipment is available to buy or rent in Kathmandu or Pokhara, if necessary. See our complete Annapurna Circuit packing list for a full breakdown.
Why Is Acclimatization Important?
Your body needs time to acclimate to the reduced oxygen supply at high altitude. Acclimatization also helps to guard against altitude sickness and, in general, makes the trek less risky. The essential rule is "climb high, sleep low." In other words, you can climb at high elevation during the day while sleeping lower at night.
In Manang (3,540m), the rest day is key. Your body acclimatizes here before climbing higher. Without proper preparation, crossing Thorong La becomes perilous. Be aware that symptoms of altitude sickness can strike suddenly and are likely to worsen rapidly.
Also, make sure you drink plenty of water during the hike. Dehydration makes altitude sickness worse. So, refrain from alcohol and sleeping pills above 3,000m. Walk slowly and steadily. Remember, it's not a race. Pay attention to your body and let your guide know if you don't feel well.
Some trekkers take Diamox (acetazolamide) as an aid to acclimatization. It's also a side medication, which expedites the adjustment but has side effects. So, if you're thinking of taking medication, consult a doctor before the trek.
Who Is This 10-Day Trek Best For?
This short circuit is ideal for those with limited holidays but opting for the full Annapurna Experience. You need good fitness but don't have to be an athlete. A body acclimates well with regular 4–5 hours of hiking or walking.
Fit beginners can do this trek after proper training. It might be a bit tough but not impossible for intermediate-level trekkers. But it's a faster-than-normal circuit, which means even less time to get used to the conditions. So, you need to adapt quickly.
Overall, this hike is for those who prefer having a set itinerary, with daily demands that are easy to define. Every day has its meaning, and steadily you march toward the pass. Plus, it's a great trek if you enjoy beautiful mountain vistas, experiencing village culture, and getting in (trekking) shape.
Who Should Avoid This Trek?
This trek isn't for absolute beginners who've never gone hiking. Basic fitness is a prerequisite for the altitude and hours of daily walking. So, start building up your experience with shorter, lower-altitude treks.
Also, if you dislike very slow, steady walking or prefer life at a leisurely pace, then 10 days is probably not for you. In contrast, with the standard 14-day circuit, there's more time for sightseeing and adjustments.
High-altitude treks aren't recommended for anyone with significant cardiovascular or pulmonary problems. Thorong La Pass's lower oxygen strains your heart. So, if you have any health-related questions, consult a doctor before booking.
