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Punam Phuyal
Annapurna circuit trek (ACT) is an adventurous trekking in Annapurna conservation area. It’s trek distance varies with included areas in the itinerary. There are different trekking routes we follow in circuit trek i.e. Annapurna Tilicho Lake trek, Annapurna circuit with Tilicho and Ghorepani, short Annapurna circuit trek and complete circuit with Annapurna base camp. Whether the trekking is short or long there are challenges and difficulties that we must know before starting the trek.
Annapurna circuit trek difficulties are part of the Annapurna region treks. Even though the Annapurna region is the richest natural basin, we have to face some difficulties. We can enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of nature via the Annapurna circuit trek which is ranked as a moderate to difficult trek. A mentally and physically fit person with minor hiking experience can do the Annapurna circuit trek. Even though there are several difficulties you can face during the trek. In this article, we tried to give major information regarding to Annapurna circuit trek difficulties.
The low atmospheric pressure and least oxygen in high altitude creates a challenge for every trekker. Since the Annapurna circuit trial lies in altitude between 760m/ 2493ft at Lamjung Besisahar to 5416m/ 17,769 ft at Thorong La Pass, there is high chance of suffering from altitude sickness. Off-beaten trial, non-green surrounding and continuous up hills make trekker to feel difficult during the Annapurna circuit trek.
If you are thinking of a long trekking route in Nepal Himalaya then the Annapurna circuit trek is the best one. You need 17 days for completing this trek. Long duration, uphills, and downhills, and rocky path followed by staircases make it difficult on walking during the trek. You have to walk 5-7 hours each day, even walking on the easy path, you will be tired with long duration hiking.
Depending on your starting point you can customize the trek and choose a 10 – 14 days itinerary for a shorter duration. Also to elaborate on the trek you can talk with a travel company to add more places or rest days for long duration trek.
The Annapurna circuit trek is a moderately difficult trek. Without having trekking experience and training you cannot do this trek. It is not that you should need special training, simply you should have practiced yourselves to walk continuously for 2, 3 hours. Experience of minor trekking on the mountains, living on tea houses, and Himalayan weather is best to reduce difficulties during the Annapurna circuit trek.
The long trek requires an extra budget because you might need to buy missing gear, may face emergencies, and require a Heli flight. After spending a long time in the trekking area you may want to buy something as a memory, which requires an extra budget. Buying snacks on the trekking site will be more expensive than in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Annapurna circuit trek during the monsoon and winter seasons is very difficult. Weather is one of the factors of the Annapurna circuit trek difficulties. Off-beaten road in the off-season is always worse. You will face difficulties while walking with rain cover during monsoon and smooth snowy surface during winter. Tea houses remain close, foggy weather does not give clean view of surrounding. If weather changes suddenly then you have to face rain cover, trial will be disturbed.
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