Annapurna Circuit Trek in December

December marks the beginning of the winter season in Nepal. It is one of the best months to explore the winter world the Himalaya has to offer. The beginning of December is quite suitable for trekking. But, from late December, the temperature might drop significantly.

Trekking in Nepal in December is possible for the whole month. But, if you wish to have a comfortable trekking experience, it is better to trek in the first half of December. Annapurna Circuit Trek in December is usually less crowded than any other seasons. The trekking trails are mostly empty and peaceful.

The weather condition and temperature of the Annapurna region are bearable during December. The weather might be quite chilly in the higher areas. But, the temperature remains moderate throughout the day in the lower areas. The nighttime and daytime weather condition might be quite chilly. So, make sure to carry warm clothes when trekking to the Annapurna Circuit in December.

Although trekking in Nepal is best in Autumn and spring season, yet winter has its own beauty and uniqueness to offer. The mountain views are the best in winter and the weather is often clear

Although the best time for trekking to the Annapurna Circuit is during autumn and spring season, December has its own uniqueness to offer. The skies are usually clear in December and offer you with the best visibility of snow- clad mountains.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in December is appealing to thousands of trekkers from all around the world. The weather in December is dry, warm and sunny during the days. It will not make you sweaty as well. Although the nights and mornings are cold, you will always be inside your room.

So, if you are ready to conquer the Annapurna Circuit Trek in December, join us at Exciting Nepal. We can arrange you with an experienced guide who will be there to help you throughout your journey.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Land in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Free and arrangement day

Day 03: Drive to Bulbule (923m).

Day 04: Bulbule to  Chyamje (1400m).

Day 05: Chyamje to Bagarchhap (2160m).

Day 06: Bagarchhap to Chame (2630m).

Day 07: Chame to Pisang (3300m).

Day 08: Pisang to Manang (3500m).

Day 09: Acclimatization day in Manang.

Day 10: Manang to Ledar (4250m).

Day 11: Ledar to Pedi or High camp (4,600m).

Day 12: Phedi to Mukti Nath (3,710m).

Day 13: Mukti Nath to Jomsom (2750m) Via Kagbeni.

Day 14: Jomsom  drive to Tatopani(1190) Natural hot spring.

Day 15: Trek down to Ghorepani (2850m).

Day 16: Trek to Poonhill – trek down to Ghorepani and Nayapul – back to Pokhara.

Weather conditions of Annapurna Circuit Trek in December

The weather condition and temperature of the Annapurna region in December varies according to the elevation areas. The weather is comparatively warmer in the areas below 4000 meters whereas it is quite chilly in the higher regions.

The temperature of the Annapurna Circuit Trek during December ranges between 5-10 degrees. The temperature decreases gradually as you move a higher altitude. The nighttime temperature decreases between 0 to -5 degrees.

In early December, the temperature of the Annapurna region may not be very harsh. The weather will be moderate at the beginning of December. So, you do not have to worry about the unfavorable weather in the lower elevations.

Although the weather might be quite cold in December, the skies are clear. You will have clear visibility of the snowy mountains. Overall, December will give you a great scenario of Annapurna region.

Temperature of Annapurna Circuit Trek in December

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Difficulties During Annapurna Circuit Trek in December

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderate to difficult level trekking destination in Nepal. The trek might be quite demanding for someone who is not used to trekking in the higher altitude.

The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is at Thorung La Pass. It sits at the height of 5416 meters. So, during December, you will find thick layers of snow along the trail to Thorung La Pass.

Many trekkers feel difficulty while walking in the icy paths during December. The route gets slippery sometimes. Most of the trails might also be blocked because of snow.

Altitude sickness is very common during Annapurna Circuit Trek. The amount of oxygen in the air gets thinner as you move to a higher altitude. Altitude sickness brings a lot of difficulties during Annapurna Circuit Trek. Some of the major symptoms of Altitude sickness are headache, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, etc. If you see any of these symptoms when trekking, descend to a lower altitude.

The weather will be perfectly in the lower region in December. But, trekking in the higher regions might be a trouble. Occasional snowfall in the higher areas makes the trek quite challenging. But, it will be equally adventurous and fun too.

Trekking to the Annapurna Circuit in December seems difficult but it is not impossible. Beginners might have to face a lot of challenges when trekking. So, it would be better to avoid Annapurna Circuit Trek in December if you are a beginner. However, carrying appropriate trekking gear will make your trek a lot easier and comfortable in December.

Food and Accommodation during Annapurna Circuit Trek in December

You can find several teahouses along the way to the Annapurna Circuit. And do not worry. All these teahouses open in December as well. It is because the weather may not be very in the Annapurna region even in December.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a teahouse trek. So, you will be spending your night in a teahouse or a lodge. You will have varieties of option to choose a teahouse or a lodge in the lower areas. But, as you walk to a higher altitude, the teahouses become basic and limited. So, you may not have many options to choose in the higher areas.

Food

You will find varieties of food during the Annapurna Circuit Trek in December. The most common ones are Dal Bhat and Tarkari, pasta, noodles, porridge, burger, sandwich, bread, egg, etc.

The most common vegetables you will get during December are potato, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, spinach, etc. So, you will probably find these vegetables in your traditional Nepali Khana Set.

The cost of a “ Dal Bhat and Tarkari” during your Annapurna Circuit Trek ranges between $5- $6.

You will also find various items in beverages as well. You can find drinks such as tea, coffee, lemon tea, mineral water, milk, and various other alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, rum, etc.

Accommodation

The teahouse accommodation during your Annapurna Circuit Trek in December are mostly basic. December is an offseason trek. So, you will not have to worry about finding an ideal teahouse for the overnight stay. Most of the teahouses remain almost empty. So, you will get the option to choose your accommodation according to your choice.

The accommodation is usually a twin sharing bedroom. The bedroom consists of a mattress, pillow, blanket and a cupboard. Some of the rooms may also have an attached bathroom. But, it depends upon the type of lodge you choose.

It is better to bring your own toiletries during your Annapurna Circuit Trek. It is because most of the teahouses may not provide you with proper toilet facilities.

As December is an offseason trek, you might also get some discount in lodges if you ask. The cost of accommodation during your Annapurna Circuit Trek in December ranges between $10- $15.

Pros of trekking to the Annapurna Circuit Trek in December

December is the starting of the winter season in Nepal. So, you will not have to face the extreme harsh condition even when trekking to the Annapurna Circuit in December. Trekking in December will give you an enjoyable experience of the beauty of the winter world.

December rewards you with empty trails, jaw-dropping snowy mountains, snowy landscapes and many more. If you wish to have peaceful trekking experience to the Annapurna Circuit, December will be the perfect time for you.

Snowfalls, icefalls, and glaciers lakes make your trek even more exciting and adventurous.

Overall, Annapurna Circuit Trek in December is a unique experience to have. If you are an adventure seeker and want to try out new things, December will not let you down.

Guide or No- Guide during Annapurna Circuit Trek in December

Annapurna Circuit Trek is quite a challenging trek. Many trekkers find it difficult to conquer the whole trek even during the peak seasons. So, trekking in December adds more to its difficulty.

So, it is better to trek to the Annapurna Circuit with the help of a guide in December. It is because a guide will help you to make your trek a lot easier and comfortable. A guide is someone who will be there with you throughout your journey to the Annapurna Circuit. He/ she will navigate the easy route to reach your destination on time.

Guides are someone who assures your safety and security during your trek. They also act as a source of motivation when you try to give up. They encourage you to move further. During your trek to the Annapurna Circuit, a guide will also help you to interact with the local people. They act as a translator between you and the villagers.

Hiring a guide means you will always have someone who will be there to help you throughout the journey. It is very important to hire a guide especially when you are trekking in December. The uncertain weather and temperature during December might result in unwanted circumstances. So, it is always an ideal option to hire a guide when trekking in December.

Beginner trekkers will have to face a lot of challenges when trekking in December. So, hiring a guide for beginner trekker is a must.

Likewise, you can also hire a porter in December. He/ she will help you to carry your bags. They can carry up to 10 kgs of your heavy load. So, you will not have to carry your heavy bag all by yourself if you wish to hire a porter.

The cost of hiring a porter ranges between 15-20 dollars per day. Likewise, a guide will charge you around 20-15 dollars per day for their service.

Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek in December

• When trekking in December, carry appropriate trekking gear with you. Carry warm and woolen clothing with you
• Carry hot water bottles with you when trekking in December. It will help you to keep hydrated and warm.
• Do not consume any alcoholic beverage when trekking to a higher altitude. Drinking alcohol will only dehydrate your body.
• Carry Diamox tablets with you to avoid the problem of altitude sickness.
• During December, it is better to trek with the help of a guide than trekking alone.
• Check the weather forecast before you start your trek.
• Do not walk continuously for hours. Take small breaks in between your trek.

Conclusion

Annapurna Circuit Trek is an adventurous trek that will give you a unique trekking experience. The trek will give you a chance to explore the Himalayan ranges, captivating villages and rugged landscapes of the Annapurna region. The trek will truly reward you with some of the amazing experiences.

Trekking to the Annapurna Circuit is doable in every season. You must be scared about the fact of trekking in December. But, you do not have to be! Winter in Nepal is not harsh like other countries. You will equally enjoy the trek even in December. December offers trekkers with a lot of adventurous activities to conquer. The beauty of the Annapurna region is innumerable during December.

So, if you are seeking a unique experience in December, Annapurna Circuit Trek would be perfect. You can contact us at Exciting Nepal if you have any queries regarding your trip to the Annapurna Circuit trek in December.