Annapurna Circuit Trek in October
October is the best time of the year for Annapurna Circuit Trek. It provides a better view of the mountains such as Mount Annapurna, Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Machhapuchhre, etc. The weather can be less cloudy, and you can get a clearer view of the natural beauty of the Annapurna region.
Annapurna Circuit trek in October allows you to know about different tribes, mountainside cultures. You can explore the unique cultural behavior and practices during the Annapurna Circuit trek.
Likewise, October marks the month of festivals in Nepal. The two major festivals of Nepal, Dashain, and Tihar fall in this month. As you trek to the Annapurna Circuit, you will get a chance to be a part of such culture and tradition if you want to.
Your trek to Annapurna Circuit begins at Besisahar inside the Marshyangdi river valley and finally ends up in the Kali Gandaki gorge. It usually takes 10 to 15 days to complete this trek.
One of the major highlights of this trek is crossing the Thorong La pass located at 5,416 meters. It is the most challenging and the highest pass on the circuit. Crossing this pass feels like an achievement. The stunning view of the Himalayas can be seen from this point.
So, if you are planning on trekking to the Annapurna Circuit Trek in October, you have made the right decision.
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Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek in October
- The perfect climate and season.
- Enjoy the amazing views of a series of mountains ranging from 6000m to 8000m like Annapurna I, II, III, & IV, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tilicho, Manaslu, and other peaks of this region.
- The highest point of Annapurna Circuit, Thorong La Pass is one of the famous viewpoints in the Annapurna region.
- The Tilicho lake the highest altitude of 4919m in the world.
- Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest canyon in the world.
- Muktinath temple with 108 water taps is a famous Hindus and Buddhists temple.
- Natural Hot Spring at Tatopani to relax.
- Poon Hill is another viewpoint after Kala Patthar in Nepal.
- Watch the beautiful sunset and sunrise from Poon hill and Thorang la pass.
- Pokhara, the city of lake.
- The celebration of the festival like Dashain and Tihar is the main attraction of this season.
- Beautiful village ethnic groups of Gurung and Magars.
Outline Itinerary for Annapurna Circuit Trek in October
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and preparing for the trek
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Bulbule (923m).
Day 04: Start your trek from Bulbule and trek to Chamje (1400m).
Day 05: Trek from Chyamje to Bagarchhap (2160m).
Day 06: Trek from Bagarchhap to Chame (2630m).
Day 07: Chame to Upper Pisang (3300m).
Day 08: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3500m).
Day 09: Acclimatization day in Manang.
Day 10: Trek from Manang to Ledar (4250m).
Day 11: Trek from Ledar to Thorong Phedi or High camp (4,600m).
Day 12: Thorang Phedi to Muktinath (3,710m).
Day 13: Visit Muktinath Temple and trek to Jomsom (2750m) Via Kagbeni.
Day 14: Drive from Jomsom to Tatopani(1190) Natural hot spring.
Day 15: Trek down to Ghorepani (2850m).
Day 16: Trek to Poon Hill and trek down to Ghorepani and Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara.
Climate and Temperature of Annapurna Circuit Trek in October
October falls in the autumn season in Nepal. Autumn is regarded as one of the best and peak seasons for trekking to the Annapurna Circuit. Annapurna Circuit in October has an increasing number of tourists because of the favorable weather and temperature the season offers.
Many tourists trek to this region to experience a clean, and fresh area after the Monsoon period. The weather is generally warm on the lower reaches of the Circuit. It has an average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius during the day and night temperatures remain above freezing.
The temperatures drop as you get higher in altitude. From about 4000m up the temperature in evenings / early mornings are freezing.
Overall, the weather condition of the Annapurna Circuit in October is very suitable for trekking. October comes after the monsoon period in Nepal and is known as the post-monsoon period. So during this time, you may not have to worry about occasional rainfall while trekking. However, it is always better to carry rain gear to avoid unwanted circumstances.
Difficulties you might face while Trekking to Annapurna Circuit Trek in October
Trekking to the Annapurna Circuit is definitely not easy as you think. You need to walk through many uphill and downhills and different twists and turns, to reach your final destination. Along with physical fitness, mental strength is what makes your trek less challenging.
Weather and temperature also matter while determining the difficulty level of your trek. Luckily, October is the time which offers you with perfect weather and temperature, making it the best time of the year for Annapurna Circuit trek. During October, you may not have to worry about walking in a muddy trail and fear of getting slipped along the way. Since October is the post-monsoon period, there is very little chance of rainfall in the Annapurna region.
The highest altitude on the trek, 5416 meters at Thorang La pass is a hair-raising pass in Nepal. The amount of oxygen reduces at the top of the pass to half the oxygen at sea level. This is a major challenge as less oxygen and high altitude triggers altitude sickness.
Likewise, the difficulty level depends upon the type of trekker you are. If you are someone who is used to trekking to a higher altitude, the Annapurna Circuit trek may not be difficult for you. But, if you are someone who no trekking experience, this trek may be quite challenging for you. So, to someone who hasn’t trek before, October would be best for you to have a less challenging trekking experience.
Food and Accommodation in Annapurna Circuit Trek in October
You will have plenty of options for food and accommodation along the way to the Annapurna Circuit. Most of the teahouses and lodges will be open to provide services to the trekkers during October.
You will have a teahouse accommodation with twin sharing beds during your trek. The teahouses will provide you with a clean room consisting of a bed, a mattress, a pillow, a blanket, and an attached bathroom, It depends upon the type of accommodation you choose. You can take hot showers if you pay the required charge.
Taking about food during the trek, you will have a variety of options in food. From traditional Nepali cuisine to international cuisine you can enjoy all type of meals. The most popular one is national Nepali food, Dal Bhat and seasonal vegetables along with pickle. You can find other food items such as bread, pasta, pizza, burger, sandwich. You will also get beverages such as tea, coffee, mineral water, hot lemon, etc.
During October, most of the teahouses and restaurants will also get packed because of the peak season. Because of this, you may have to wait for a long queue to have your meal. Make sure to book for your food and accommodation early to avoid the hassle during the trek.
Why Trek in October?
Amazing Weather
You will always have good weather on the trails of the Annapurna region in the day. The nights might get cold but it is bearable. You will get clear views of the surrounding area while trekking on the Annapurna trail. You won’t need to manage any rain gear or worry about the snow-covered trails which will make your trek more comfortable.
No Fear of Rain
The Annapurna Circuit trail is located in the rainshadow area of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs. So, you are away from the leeches and the slippery trails while trekking in October. While trekking you can experience pleasant temperatures and dry weathers.
Celebrate the Major Festivals in Nepal
- Dashain
Dashain is the main festival of the Hindus. This festival celebrates the power of Goddess Durga. People celebrate this festival for two weeks. This festival falls in late September or early October. According to the Nepalese calendar, it begins on the bright lunar fortnight and lasts till the day of the full moon.
Nepal is truly a sight to behold during Dashain. People renovate their houses to make them even more beautiful. People who have left their homes to work or study return to celebrate this occasion with their families. Various local fairs are also held and another famous attraction is the makeshift swings made of bamboo. People also fly kites and this is a popular form of entertainment during Dashain.
It is a great opportunity to enjoy the traditional Hindu culture during this time. You can also be a part of the celebrations and enjoyment.
- Tihar
Tihar is the second most important festival in Nepal. People celebrate this festival in October or November. It comes a few weeks after Dashain. People decorate their houses with lights and vibrant colors during this festival. They also use diyos which is a traditional clay lamp.They fill the diyos with oil and cotton dipped into it to light it up. So Tihar is also known as the festival of lights.
Apart from this, people also dance, play cards, sing, and enjoy various other forms of entertainment. Deusi and Bhailo are popular activities around Tihar which are when people make groups and visit various houses singing door-to-door. Tihar is by-far the most beautiful festival with its colorful Mandap and Diyos.
Incredible Landscape View
You can see a lot of amazing crystal clear views of mountains on the trail of the Annapurna trekking route. Annapurna Circuit trails are renowned for beautiful amazing natural views. You can see the natural view of Nepal which includes alpine trees, green barley field, and great geographic scenario.
You can witness different behaviors of the people and their culture. You can explore various animals and vegetation in the region.
Packing List for Annapurna Circuit Trek in October
Important Documents
- Always carry a valid passport, visa, extra passport size photos, and ticket
- Proof of Insurance
- There will be no ATM so carry Nepali currencies in cash for tips, and to purchase Visa
- Photocopy of your passport and visa
- Trekking permits
Other Items
- Trekking T-shirts
- Windcheater
- Windproof trousers
- Thermals
- Shell jackets
- Down Jacket
- Gloves
- Trekking socks
- Hiking boots
- Sleeping bags
- Bandana or headscarf
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- First Aid kits
- Medicines against fever, diarrhea, headache, cold, etc
- Water purification tablets
- Hand Sanitizers
- Toilet paper
- Quick-drying towels
- Multi-purpose soap
Tips for Trekking to Annapurna Circuit in October
- Always stay hydrated to avoid getting altitude sickness.
- Bring Good pairs of hiking boots.
- Make your luggage as light as possible.
- Pack some snacks for the trek.
- Wear the right amount of clothing.
- Get proper trekking gears
- Get Travel Insurance
- If you have to take any medicine, carry enough medicines for the whole trek
- Carry basic medicines like pain relief sprays, Cetamols, Diamox, etc.
- Do not forget to collect permits.
- Take enough rest. Do not rush.
- Try to pre-book your rooms and tickets since it is a peak season.
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- Annapurna Circuit Trek in March
- Annapurna Base Camp in April
- Annapurna Circuit in September
- Annapurna Circuit Trek in December
For more information about the packages please contact us.
Conclusion
October is the ideal time to trek to Annapurna Circuit. Most of the travelers trek during this season which makes it the most peak season. You should always prepare yourself physically and mentally to complete this type of trek.
You can contact us to book your trip. We organize a better trip which will be hassle-free and more comfortable. For further inquiries, email us and we will get back to you soon.