Annapurna Circuit is the most popular trek, visiting the green valleys, completely green valleys between the relatively rich forest of rhododendron, not to mention finding the highest elevation the passes walking over snow-covered passes, viewing the majestic vista of the Himalayas. A logical question. Since one of the first logistical questions that people find themselves asking when they try to plan this trip of a lifetime is -how do I get to the start of the trail for the Annapurna Circuit?
From the time you arrive in Nepal to the moment your boots hit the trail, this guide covers everything you need to know to hit the trail running.
Starting in Kathmandu
Annapurna Circuit Your journey will begin in Kathmandu, a dynamic urban spread in the lap of Nepal. Almost all tourists from overseas (excluding Indian nationals) arrive in Nepal by air at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, the only international airport in Nepal that has flights to and from other foreign destinations. And when you do eventually arrive, I think you should plan on spending a day, or perhaps — if you are lucky — two in town. This would allow you to adjust, grab a few things you may not have, and knock out the permits you will need for the Annapurna Circuit.
Permits are a must. You will need two: the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) car and the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit). Both are obtainable from Kathmandu either at the Nepal Tourism Board office or at any reputable trekking agent. The whole thing will cost you surprisingly little, and you will also need a few passport-sized photos and a copy of your passport.
Thamel, in Kathmandu, is the ground zero for trekkers. It’s an inundation of guesthouses, gear shops, travel agencies, and restaurants. After all, if you have not packed all your hiking gear from your home country, then no problem, you can easily rent/buy them in Nepal at a dirt-cheap price.
Where to Begin, Which Stretch of the Trail? Dungeons & Dragons: A fantasy position-playing sport.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek doesn’t have a fixed place to start, and where you start the trek depends on how lots time you have and what kind of experience you want from it. In preceding years, most of the people of trekkers started out the circuit from the same distance cease, within the town of Besisahar, in the Lamjung District. However, with roads cut into the mountainsides (one of the antique trails climbed to its summit from a service street), the trail has been pushed again deeper into the mountains over the years, and nowadays many hikers choose to begin it farther up in the park to keep away from long sections of street on foot.
(Starting points are becoming increasingly common; in today’s first editions of the guidebooks, travelers were most often hiking beginning from the village of Jagat, 1,300 meters or so below.) It was a good track from here, and no traffic, so no road dust on the roadbed. It’s alpine views that you’re after; set your sights on Chame at 2,650 meters. It’s a bit further from Kathmandu, but it hits you square in the mountains.
Getting There from Kathmandu
And once you know where you’re starting from, you’ll need to figure out how to get there. (There are a couple of flights, but most arrive by road, because the only flights to the Annapurna region proper are to Pokhara.)
Or, if you’re on your way to Besi Shahar, daily buses and microbuses leave from early in the morning at Kathmandu’s Gongabu Bus Park. It is usually a six- to eight-hour drive, give or take, depending on traffic and road conditions. The buses are quite basic, but actually, sooooo much cheaper and more dependable than X.
For Jagat or Chame, you will have to switch to a local jeep from Besisahar. The roads are potholed and unpaved, so prepare for another four-wheel bump that can last five to seven hours. What you’d better do is to reserve a jeep in advance through a travel agency, where you can find them in Kathmandu or Besisahar. Shared jeeps are less expensive, of course, but for an extra small amount of money, we discovered you could also hire a whole jeep to yourself and friends, if you’re in the numbers or that’s more your thing, luxury-wise.
Taking a full day if the weather’s good (i.e., no landslides). And make sure to check on local conditions before you go and to plan accordingly. You may also want to add a day to your plans as a buffer for delays.
Optional Stop in Pokhara
A few trekkers receive an omnitourist’s baths, spending a night or two in Pokhara before, where they begin their ascent of the Annapurna Circuit. It’s not on trail otherwise, however: a lakeside place to chill, and don the boots for Annapurna range sightings. From there, it is possible to get a bus or jeep to the start lines provided: the list I’ve outlined is just some of the main start points. Just a smidgen longer than t, hose, and something you’ll want as part ofyouu, trip, only if you go to the effort of making it up or back, the detour can provide you with near perfection.
Final Thoughts
The journey to the start of the Annapurna Circuit is a journey in itself, wrapping itself around mountains, tiny hillside villWonky Wonky to start with — are all part of the fun. Whether you’re trekking from Besisahar, Jagat, or Chame, you’ll be closer with every step to what’s going to be one of the most fantastic experiences of your lifetime.
Trekking So, you’ve got the green light, the essentials are packed, and your mind is tuned into all-things adventure, and here you are, ready to start on the path that’s been followed by trekkers for generations. The Annapurna Circuit is right there, and the hike to it is just a beginning.