The Annapurna Circuit is a bucket-list trek for untold numbers of humans around the world. Between the beautiful panorama, the outstanding cultural studies, and the physical challenge of trekking up into the mountains, it’s far bound to be one of those journeys you will never forget! But getting there isn’t just a matter of lacing up your boots and strolling out the door, hitting the trail — it’s also a depend of getting it done before, and of tolerating, of intellectual toughness. For the return or rookie venture, you can’t go wrong giving these two a look before you commence the Annapurna Circuit.
Keep reading, though, because we’re not only talking Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary training but also some other logistics, a little bit of mental preparation, and some practical how-tos just to make sure you’re fully prepared to take on this iconic trek in the Himalayas and make your adventure a reality.
Start with Physical Preparation
This is one of the most difficult hikes in this list, the 12 – 18 day Annapurna Circuit can be extended, however, if you don’t fly in and out, and do any side trips off the main trail. Physique: GHP Because it’s ha, you have to be in good shape. In order to make the trek and survive the trip, you will need to be in good shape; you will also need to be able to sustain the high altitude, the different weather, and walking at least 4-6 hours per day. Possibly one of the harder hikes on the list, the Annapurna Circuit is a 12-18 day (if you fly both in and out and you don’t make a lot of stops along the way). High in the mountains, on which no doubt some of you will have the experience of your lifetime. But enjoying yourself out there isn’t just a matter of lacing up your boots and hitting the trail — it’s also about preparation, endurance, and mental fortitude. Whether you’ll be heading back there or visiting Annapurna Circuit for the first time, here are two things you should know before going to Annapurna Circuit.
Buttt stick with me, because we’re gonna chat not just Annapurna Circuit Trekking prep, but a few other important logistical things, a little mental conditioning -and we’ll even give you some action items … because I want to make sure you are properly prepped + prepared to hike this Himalayan wonder trail and make this dream a full-blown reality.
Strengthen Your Lower Body
This is more of an up/down hike, and you should train your leg muscles to get used to that. Squats, lunges & step-ups. Squats, lunges, and step-ups are another nice power-and-stability workout. Don’t forget the calf raises and a tiny bit of hamstring work so that you are doing some to decrease fatigue and cramping.
Train for High Altitude
The exact conditions of the Annapurna Circuit are impossible to simulate in your local gym or on crowded walking trails, but less oxygen is less oxygen, and you can train for that. Wherever you are, if there are any foothills or mountains close by, try to do a couple of hikes at an elevation closer to what it will be while you are hiking the trail. Recreating altitude itself might not be possible, but consider emulating the impact with an altitude simulation mask (it makes your body more efficient at taking in oxygen) or a stairmaster you can calibrate to a harder workout.
Build Your Stamina
It’s a very long walk every day, so I would do whatever it takes to get in shape, to keep up my stamina. On the weekends (or after work if you live near mountains), go on long, long-the-longer-the-better several hour hikes (see, on the weekends you can hike like it’s your job because it kind of is) to simulate hiking each day for days on end on the Annapurna Circuit. And the more you grow emotionally and physically stronger, the easier each day will be.
Get the Necessary Permits
How to get the two permits is there? Permits: ACAP and TIMS cards are required to trek in the Annapurna RegionACAP: Annapurna Conservation Area PermitTIMS card: Trekkers’ Information Management System card. Each is required to arrange entry to the Annapurna Conservation area and may be organized earlier through your Kathmandu or Pokhara trekking employer. Just consider allowing yourself time to reap this allowance before you begin your hike.
Choose the Right Trekking Gear
The.Gear. The first step to effectively hiking the Inca path, like every trek, starts with packing the proper gear. The Annapurna Circuit trail is a properly trodden trek, and you will discover teahouses along its path; however, the trail and climate are known to be a little unpredictable. Following is a roundup of some things you want to pack and why:
Footwear: Hiking boots are a must. They should be waterproof and with ankle support.
Dress in Layers: Temperatures will alternate from heat even as descending to cold, freezing while ascending. Opt for moisture-wicking base and insulating layers of fleece and down.
Rain tools: you could never expect the climate, and even in case you anticipate it to be a sunny day, rain tools can be available in a reachable, especially in the course of a blizzard.
Poles: They’re going to be a relief to your knees on long descents and steep descents.
Headlamp: If you plan on getting an early start to your hiking in the early morning or late afternoon, you will want a headlamp, and the one you carry should have fresh batteries.
Sleeping Bag – If you are trekking teahouse during winter/, then you need a good four-season sleeping bag to go below zero in the winter if you plan to do so, and a season bag for when it’s warm.
First Aid: You should carry a basic FI Kit with Panadol (or equivalent) and some dressings and your favourite own medication (if taking any).
Know Your Logistics
Work out transport from Kathmandu to Esihasar (most of the trekkers start the Circuit here). That is where you will embark on a trek that varies from 12 to 18 days, depending on how far you average every day. And make sure to book a return flight or travel plans in advance, or you’ll be hunting (and scrambling) at the end of the trek.
Ensure Mental Preparation
You look great, and also, how do you handle the Annapurna Circuit? It’s a hard trek that requires all of the body and thoughts to make it, so leaving with the proper attitude is becoming.
Stay Positive and Manage Expectations
You have to be mentally tough, and you have to have a why, why you started in the first place. You are going to hurt, and you are going to have worse days than those around you as you struggle. Don’t forget: one step closer to the dreams for every step!
Practice Patience
It’s in the Himalayas, all about the way, not the ‘there’. There are a couple of tough climbs on the Annapurna Circuit, a few long days, and some times when you’ve just got to take the snail’s pace, to avoid slipping off precarious trail ledges. “You are never in competition with anyone on the trail,” Rumblemar says. “You compete with yourself. In case you experience like you’re doing outstanding and covering lots of miles, that’s pleasant. But in case you’re no longer, don’t beat yourself up over it.”
Celebrate Your Success
While you discover yourself at Muktinath, or preferably in the place of all matters, Jomsom, high on the elation of having crossed the pass, then stop and take a second to contemplate all of it. That’s the long adventure that calls for commitment, perseverance, and exuberance. It’s a brand new factor of view on the Himalayas, the cultures you’ve visited, and the way you’ve observed, you’ve changed.
Your Dream Is…Conclusion: It’s In Reach
The biggest thing to fulfilling that one thing – to want to do the Annapurna Circuit – it’s not so much fitness – it takes a bit of mental prepping, and being organized and doing what you can to make it as safe as you can make it. With the right mindset and a bit of mental strength and preparation, the Annapurna Circuit is going to prove to be some of the most life-altering few weeks of your life.