Annapurna Circuit Trek in March
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. March is a great time to trek the beautiful trails of the pristine Annapurna region. The Annapurna Circuit Trek in March offers excellent trekking conditions and stable weather.
The Annapurna region is breathtakingly beautiful. The rich biodiversity of the region will amaze you. March is also the start of the beautiful spring season in Nepal. The vibrant wildlife of the region becomes active after a long, harsh winter’s sleep.
The daytime temperatures gradually warm up making it perfect for a trekking adventure. The view of the snow-capped mountains including Annapurna I, Machhapuchhare, Himchuli, Annapurna South, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and others is enchanting. You can expect bustling trekking trails, and crowded accommodations in March.
The incredible Annapurna Circuit Trek is a long duration trek that revolves along the entire Annapurna massif. Trekkers also cross the stunning Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/ 17,769 ft) which is the highest point of the trek. The trails also passes through the Kali Gandaki gorge which
is the deepest gorge in the world.
Furthermore, we also observe the fantastic sunrise from the Poon Hill viewpoint. If you love trekking in a lively atmosphere and in the company of fellow trekkers, then the Annapurna Circuit Trek in March is ideal for you. Trekking the stunning Annapurna region in March is full of adventure.
Book with us for a hassle free trekking experience. Read further for in-depth information about the Annapurna Circuit trek in March and book your trip now!
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Significant Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek in March
- Awe-inspiring views of the sunrise from the Poon Hill viewpoint
- Breathtaking views of the Annapurna Himalaya range including, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhare, Himchuli, Annapurna South, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, etc
- Exploring the rare and endangered wildlife of the Annapurna region
- Crossing the stunning Thorong la pass (5,416 m/ 17,769 ft)
- Pilgrimage of the sacred Muktinath temple
- Relaxing at the hot water springs of Jhinu danda
- Sightseeing of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu valley
- Cultural tour of the Magar, Tamang and Gurung villages
- Exploring the desert like landscapes of Manang, Jomson, and Muktinath region
- Heartwarming hospitality of the local people
Weather Around Annapurna Region in March?
March is the start of the spring season in the country. The spring season brings warm temperatures across the Annapurna region. However, the mornings and nights remain cold. At higher elevations, the temperatures can dip below zero degrees even in March. The lower altitude regions have milder temperatures.
The daytime temperatures are perfect for a trekking adventure. You need to prepare for the drastic change of temperatures from daytime to the night time in March. The snow in the mountains remain intact and the beautiful snow-covered mountain vista make for a great scenario.
Rhododendron flowers bloom all over the hills providing a gorgeous vista. The snow-capped mountains look extra beautiful as the golden rays of the sun fall upon the silver mountains. In March, the skies are generally clear with stable weather.
You can expect temperatures to drop below 0 degrees during mornings and nights. During the daytime, the temperatures increase gradually. The temperatures range around 26 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius the lower elevations and cities whereas it drops to -10 degrees Celsius in the high altitude conditions.
Overall, the Annapurna region has stable weather with very less precipitation in March. The temperatures around the Annapurna region during March are as follows:
Is Annapurna Circuit Trek in March Difficult?
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most sought after treks in Nepal. The long duration trek in the Annapurna region is challenging but has no technical climbing sections. Anyone with a basic level of fitness and mental strength can successfully complete the trek.
You will need to walk for around 5-8 hours a day. The high-altitude trek also moves above 4000m at all times during the trek. One of the major threats for trekkers in the Annapurna Circuit Trek is altitude sickness. Altitude sickness among trekkers is due to the lower oxygen levels and air pressure in the high altitude region.
With proper acclimatization and regular hydration, you can tackle altitude sickness. Besides that, the harsh terrains get covered in snow which means the trails get extra slippery. Hence, trekkers need to walk gently with extra caution. Proper clothing and gear will prevent you from the freezing temperatures in the mountains. Overall, the Annapurna Circuit trek in March is challenging.
Why Trek the Annapurna Circuit in March?
Excellent weather, minimal rainfall
The weather around the Annapurna region in March is stable with minimal precipitation. The daytime temperature is perfect for trekking in the Annapurna region. The minimal precipitation is another advantage of trekking the Annapurna region in March. The trails are dry and there are lesser chances of landslides and avalanches.
Spectacular view of the mountains
The Annapurna region looks pristine beautiful in March. The golden rays of the sun falling upon the silver mountains are the highlight of the trek in March. The snow capped mountains are the crown jewel of the country. The wildflowers like rhododendron bloom all over the hills providing a great pink and red scenario.
Cultural Exploration in March
Nepalese people celebrate a lot of festivals including Holi, Chaite Dashain, and Ghode Jatra in March. They come together to celebrate the colorful festival of Holi. You can experience the festive atmosphere especially in the cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara.
During Ghode Jatra, the horses get worshiped, and they perform various stunts under the instruction of the Nepalese army. The religious festival of Chaite Dashain is important for the Hindu population of the country. Overall, the festive atmosphere during the Annapurna Circuit trek is another perk of trekking the Annapurna region in March.
Rare wildlife spotting
In March, the wildlife of the Annapurna region come out of their hibernation. The lush vegetation and active wildlife is highlight of the trek. The exotic wildlife and birds like Himalayan Thar, Snow leopards, Himalayan Monal around the region will amaze you. The picturesque beauty of the region is duly complemented by the rich biodiversity of the region.
Food and Accommodation along the Trail
Treks around the Annapurna region are also known as the tea house treks. During the Annapurna Circuit trek in March, you will get basic food and accommodation facilities. The tea houses will be bustling with trekkers as March is one of the busiest times in the Annapurna region.
Early booking will help you from any hassles along the trek. The treehouses provide twin beds, a pillow and a warm and fuzzy blanket. The toilet and the bathroom is on a sharing basis with the fellow trekkers. You will get hot water and Wi-Fi at some teahouses and lodges, especially in the lower elevations.
The facilities get limited in the higher altitude teahouses and lodges. You will get basic meal along the trail. For breakfast, there are bread toast and boiled eggs with hot beverages like tea and coffee. For lunch and dinner, you will get the Nepali cuisine of “Dal Bhat”.
“Dal Bhat” generally consists of rice, dal (pulses), spinach, lentils, gundruk (fermented vegetables), pickles, and meat. You can get some limited variety of western and continental cuisines like pizza, burgers, pasta etc. However, you should definitely try the delicious Nepali cuisine. To get energised during the trek you can carry protein bars, chocolates, granola bars, snickers etc.
Seven Essential Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek in March
Get a guide and a porter
Hiring a guide and porter is a good option during the Annapurna Circuit Trek in March. The harsh trails of the Annapurna region might pose a threat for some trekkers. Hence, a guide can be a great companion along the trek and help you with the trails and communication.
A porter is essential if you cannot carry your luggage and walk long distances. You can also hire someone who can work both as a guide and a porter. This way you can reduce the overall cost by a significant margin.
Book in advance
Annapurna Circuit trek in March can get quite crowded. The peak season for trekking sees a lot of trekkers flocking the region. You should book early to get the best package, along with the meals, and accommodation facilities along the trail. This saves you from a lot of hassles along the trail.
Start your trek early
Early start on the trekking journey is essential in the Annapurna Circuit trek in March as it gets dark quite early. You will have to trek for 6-7 hours and you might need to take a rest in the middle. Hence, starting early is a great option that helps you complete your trek early before it gets too dark.
Acclimatize and hydrate regularly
Altitude sickness is a major threat among trekkers in Annapurna Circuit trek in March. Breathing gets difficult in the high mountains as the oxygen levels drop significantly and so does the air pressure. The main key to tackle altitude sickness on high altitude conditions is to acclimatize and hydrate regularly.
You should walk at a gentle pace in the trails of the Annapurna region. This serves two purposes as you can acclimatize and you can observe the beautiful landscapes of the Annapurna region as well. The oxygen levels increase as you hydrate regularly which further helps you the altitude sickness.
Pack well for the trip
The mornings and nights in the Annapurna region are quite cold. You will need to pack clothing and gears properly in order to save yourself from the cold conditions. Moreover, you should also dress in layers so that you can add or remove layers of your clothing based on the weather conditions.
You should carry a down jacket, trekking clothes, sleeping bags, woolen gloves, trekking shoes, sunscreen, toiletries, first aid woolen hats, and others. Check out our packing list section for more details.
Get a Travel insurance package
You need to get a proper travel insurance for the Annapurna Circuit Trek in March. A good travel insurance covers you from emergency conditions like injuries, flight cancellations, helicopter evacuation, and others.
A helicopter evacuation in the high altitude conditions costs around $5000 to $10000. One thing to remember is that the travel insurance must cover altitudes above 4000m since this is a high altitude trek.
Train in advance
You must train in advance for the Annapurna Circuit trek. The training process builds your fitness and stamina for the challenging trek.
The training regime must include cardiovascular activities like hiking, cycling, swimming, and others. You should start training two weeks before the trek. The training should include a high carbohydrates and protein diet along with regular water intake.
Permits required for Annapurna Circuit Trek
The trekking permits required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek in March are Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS).
| Permit | Cost |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | USD 30 |
| Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS Card) | USD 10 |
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Packaging List for Annapurna Circuit Trek in March
For Annapurna Circuit Trek in March, you must pack properly as the mornings and nights can get quite cold in the region. The essential items you need to pack are as below:
Clothing
- Thermals underwear
- Trekking pants and jackets
- Trekking boots
- Insulating jackets
- Woolen cap/ beanies
- Fleece lined jacket
- Short-sleeved trekking shirts
- Lightweight Sweaters
- Pair of Gloves
- Long-sleeved trekking shirts
- Rainproof pants and jackets
Toiletries and Other Accessories
- Toilet Paper
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Cameras
- Sleeping bag
- Solar Chargers
- Sunglasses
- Water Bottle
- Extra Batteries
First Aid
- Band-aids
- Diamox tablets
- Pain relief Sprays
- Anti nausea Medicines
- Mosquito repellent spray or ointment
Important Documents
- Passport
- Travel Permits
Conclusion
The Annapurna Circuit trek in March is an adventurous trek in the pristine Annapurna region. Hundreds of trekkers flock the region as the trekking conditions are perfect and pleasant. The active wildlife and festive atmosphere is also the perks of trekking the Annapurna circuit during this time.
You can also go on a full cultural exploration of the Annapurna region in March. The stable weather and the clear blue sky will provide you with the majestic views of the snow capped mountains of the Annapurna mountain range. Overall, Annapurna Circuit trek in March is a lovely experience in the tranquility of the mountains.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.