Trekking in Annapurna

notably including some shorter and easier routes

The Annapurna Range is a section of the Himalayas in the west of Nepal.

This impressive group of mountains, with peaks including Annapurna I (8091m), Nilgiri (7061m), Machhapuchchhre (6993 m) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m). Annapurna I is the tenth highest mountain in the world, around 750m lower than Everest.

All of the main peaks in this region are very serious technical climbs (which we do not offer), or have never knowingly been summited. Annapurna I actually has the highest fatality to summit ratio of any mountain over 8000 metres.

The Annapurna area is renowned amongst the trekking fraternity for offering an unusually wide range of landscapes and cultural experiences.

Although visitor numbers are significant during peak seasons, the general atmosphere is much more authentic and relaxed than the rather hectic Everest area.

It is perhaps worth mentioning that trekking any of the higher routes in this area can be potentially dangerous, with around 50 international visitors being killed during freak snow storms during October 2014.

In common with all trekking areas in Nepal, all routes have small local hotels (known as teahouses) at every night stop and the majority of the trails are regularly used by local villagers. The only time the trails pass out of the habited areas are when heading up to a high altitude mountaineering base camp.

On all of the treks that we offer in this area, our guests are accompanied by expert guides and luggage other than your day pack can be portered.

The best time of year to go trekking in Nepal are the warmer seasons either side of the main monsoon, so Mar-May and October.

Whilst it’s true that the trekker traffic is naturally higher during these periods, the consequences of travelling at other times can be pretty serious. So if you want a more peaceful time, then it’s usually best to travel at the right time of year but head for a less busy route.

October

This period represents arguably the best time to be trekking in Nepal. Some operators suggest that the season starts mid-September and runs on to the end of November, but there are chances of very high rainfall earlier on and very low temperatures later.

October is the transition period between the end of the monsoon rains and the start of the cool dry season.

During October the daytime temperatures usually rise to around 26C/79F, whilst the nighttime low temperatures hold up around 13C/55F. However the rainfall is much lower, dropping to around 50mm (2”) per month. Sunshine is around 8 hours per day (around 75% of daylight hours), meaning that skies are usually clear.

After the rains the air tends to be clear and the visibility for mountain panoramas is at its best.

Nov-Feb

Nov-Feb is the main cool dry season.

During Nov-Feb the daytime temperatures usually rise to around 25C/77F, whilst the nighttime low temperatures plunge to around 6C/43F. There should be very little rainfall. Sunshine is around 8 hours per day (around 80% of daylight hours), meaning that skies are usually clear.

At higher altitudes the temperatures can get a great deal colder and occasional snowfalls can cause various high passes to become impassable. Although conditions can be pretty adverse, on balance we would much rather be trekking during this season than during the monsoon months.

Mar-Apr

Mar-Apr is the warm season, with rainfall slowly increasing in advance of the main monsoon.

During Mar-Apr the daytime temperatures can climb to around 28C/82F, whilst the nighttime low temperatures hold up around 12C/54F. Rainfall usually increases slightly, from almost nothing in March to around 50mm (2”) in April. Sunshine is around 8 hours per day (around 60% of daylight hours), indicating that showers tend to be occasional, set against a usually clear sky.

Although there can, on occasion, be serious occasional showers and periods of persistent drizzle, this really is one of the best times to be out in the mountains. Of course the surrounding mountain peaks are resplendent in their full covering of winter snow.

Into March and spring welcomes a blooming of flowers across the hillsides and hedgerows, as well as bringing some wonderful colour to the rhododendron forests. However, with dust rising from the plains of India, the visibility reduces and mountain panoramas can become far less crisp for photography.

May

May is the transition month ahead of the main monsoon rains, often with considerable rainfall.

During May the daytime temperatures can climb to around 28C/82F, whilst the nighttime low temperatures remain up around 16C/61F. Rainfall climbs to around 125mm (5”) over the course of the month. Sunshine is around 7 hours per day (around 60% of daylight hours), meaning that skies are often overcast as the monsoon clouds gather.

With the much higher temperatures, even at higher altitudes the precipitation is more likely to be rain rather than snow. In all honesty the chances of persistent rain are probably too high and the chances of a trek becoming miserable are quite high. Unless you particularly enjoy rain. An umbrella is definitely recommended.

Treks which head around the north side of the mountains (such as the Annapurna Circuit) tend to get much less rain, so would likely be the best choice at this time.

Jun-Sep

Jun-Sep is the main monsoon season and is generally considered to be the least favourable time to visit.

During Jun-Sep the daytime temperatures drop off slightly to around 28C/82F, whilst the nighttime low temperatures remain up at an uncomfortable 20C/68F.

Rainfall climbs to an extremely high 350mm (14”) per month. Sunshine drops to around 4 hours per day (around 35% of daylight hours), meaning that skies are very often heavily overcast.

As if the constant threat of heavy rain was not enough, in more forested sections you may encounter leeches, as well as an increased potential for severe and dangerous landslides.

Getting there

The Annapurna Range is accessed from the city of Pothara, which lies in the main valley to the southeast. From there it is possible to drive a little way out of town, before picking up the various footpaths that lead to the mountain valleys.

Pothara is usually accessed by air from Kathmandu.

After a trek in the Annapurna area it is possible to drive southeast to the historic town of Bandipur, from where you can trek and raft down to Chitwan National Park on the plains below.

Where to stay

As described above, there is a selection of treks in the Annapurna region, ranging from 5 to 17 nights in duration.

usually spend a night or two in Pothara on the way in