Have you been wondering about the perfect time to embark on the Annapurna circuit trek? If yes, then look no further than September when the charm of nature encounters the adventure of exploration. The Annapurna circuit trek in September is the perfect balance of greenery and favorable weather accompanied by stunning vistas.
When the monsoon waves goodbye, welcoming September, nature starts to unveil its allure by blending the symphony of colors and clarity. The dramatic landscapes of the Annapurna region are covered with a rich green canopy of lush vegetation. That vivid greenery contrasting with snow-capped mountains with a backdrop of clear blue sky is truly the masterpiece of nature.
Moreover, the Annapurna circuit trek in September adds an extra layer of festival delights to make your adventurous journey more fascinating. As you progress through your trek, every stride is enveloped in the golden glow of the ideal trekking environment. So, are you ready to explore one of the mainstream trekking routes in the prime window of September to create a once-in-a-lifetime memory?
Highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Unobstructed views of the Annapurna massif, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West, Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, and Lamjung Himal.
- Sense of accomplishment after reaching the top of the Thorung La pass, the highest point in the whole Annapurna Circuit trek
- Learn about the Himalayan life from the ethnic Magar, Gurung, and Thakali people
- Amazing view of sunrise from Poon Hill
- The unique experience of walking on the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki River Gorge.
- Explore various climatic zones along with diverse flora and fauna
- Visit the religious site of Muktinath
Why Annapurna Circuit Trek In September
If you’re pondering why we told you to just cast your eyes on September for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, then there are a few different reasons that can convince you that this time of the year is perfect to board on the adventurous journey.
Unobstructed Mountain Views
September is the transition month from the rainy monsoon season to the crispy autumn season. After experiencing heavy rainfall during monsoon, the humidity lowered down in September, resulting in dry air. The scorching hot from June to August cools down coming to September which makes the air hold less amount of moisture. Low moisture is directly proportional to fewer clouds and haze, which allows you to have panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains.
As you progress through the trek, you will be able to have unobstructed views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, and many other peaks. Immersing yourself in the beauty of the Himalayas under the blue skies is something you have never experienced before. Moreover, the chilly climate with crispy air caressing your skin while watching the grandeur of vistas adorning with glistening snow is truly the magical delight of September.
Greenery Everywhere
The Annapurna circuit trek in September is truly a feast for the senses, thanks to the lush greenery in the Annapurna region. As the monsoon rain gradually subsides, it will provide nourishment to the landscapes of different climatic zones, resulting in a revitalized terrain. You will be surrounded by a lush forest of towering trees filled with rhododendrons, oaks, etc. Moreover, verdant meadows will be stretched out before you start to move deeper into the region.
Furthermore, the monsoon rain adds a strong current to the cascading waterfalls and meandering streams that will add a more refreshing ambiance to your trekking journey. Hence, traversing the dense forest along with the blanket of emerald verdant foliage and flora undoubtedly creates a picturesque landscape for you to enjoy in the Annapurna region.
Festive Season
One of the biggest reasons for planning your Annapurna circuit trek during September is to grab a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the festival spirit in Nepal. Since Nepal follows the lunar calendar of Bikram Sambat, many festivals fall during the autumn season. On top of that, September is the core month that carries a long list of festival delights, including one of the biggest festivals in Nepal, Dashain.
So, during this journey, you can discover how the trails come alive with enticing festivities and their celebration. You can enjoy the cultural processions, folk dance, and music while encountering the vibrant celebration of Teej, Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra, etc.
Less Crowded
As September falls right after the heavy monsoon, people may avoid trekking for the first weeks because of lingering snowfall and precipitation. So the trail of the Annapurna circuit experiences less crowd as compared to the other two months of autumn.
Annapurna circuit trek in September allows you to immerse in the tranquillity of the region with fewer crowds. Moreover, you will not have to worry about other people in the background while capturing some aesthetic pictures. Additionally, you can explore the area at your own pace with no hush and rush.
Longer Exploration Time
The heavy rainfall subsides during September, resulting in stable weather with mild temperatures. Moreover, longer hours of sunlight in September offer you extended time to explore the side highlights and attractions along the Annapurna circuit trek. Hence, exploring the Annapurna circuit in September provides you with more flexibility to savor the beauty of the region.
Difficulties Of Annapurna Circuit Trek In September
Annapurna Circuit trek is considered a moderate-level difficulty trek with no technical challenges along the journey. However, there are certain factors that have risen over the difficult trek.
Sometimes Tricky Weather
There will still be some monsoon remnants in September since the atmosphere transitions from a rainy to a fall state. Despite the higher altitude receiving no precipitation, the lower elevation can receive some level of rainfall, which can make your trek taxing. As per the data of previous years, the monsoon rain continues through September. Additionally, due to temperature fluctuations and tricky weather in higher altitudes, crossing Thorung La Pass can be quite a challenging task.
Altitude Sickness
Annapurna circuit trek ascends you to the highest altitude of 5416 m at Thorung La Pass. As you are exploring the region of Himalayan, it is normal to suffer from altitude sickness. The symptoms of altitude sickness can be seen above 3000m from sea level. So, to avoid the risk of altitude sickness, it is important to give your body enough time to acclimate properly.
Long Hours Of Hike
The total distance to be covered in your Annapurna Circuit trek averages about 160 km to 230 km as per your itinerary and highlights. Moreover, the trek will take about 12 to 22 days to complete, where you will need to cover an average of 9 km per day. To break down, it will take approximately 6 to 8 hours of hiking daily to cover such a distance. Therefore, you may feel the exhaustion of trekking by walking the rugged terrains for longer hours.
Accommodations And Flights Availability
During the initial week of September, you can have some difficulty in finding accommodation. As monsoon is the off-season with a lesser number of trekkers, tea house and lodge owners are preparing themselves for the large inflow of tourists during the first week of September.
Likewise, at the end of September Annapurna circuit trail is full of trekkers and adventurous alike. So you will have to inform the tea house owners beforehand to make the necessary preparations for your arrival.
What Is Temperature And Climate Like In Annapurna Circuit Trek During September
The initial phase of September will have some impact of post-monsoon with some probability of rainfall however, as the day progresses, the clouds and haze will be cleared up, and the weather will start to become pleasant with dry air.
The daytime temperature of the Annapurna region can range between 19 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius. However, the night will be very chilly with some drops in temperature. Likewise, the temperature below 2500 m can average around 26 degrees Celsius in September. As the altitude increases, the temperature will drop significantly. Thorung La Pass can experience a temperature of about -4 to 5 degrees Celsius with the strong wind passing the area during the daytime.
Foods And Accommodations During The Annapurna Circuit Trek
Accommodations
Tea houses and lodges are the primary source of accommodations along the trail of the Annapurna circuit. These teahouses will offer you a twin-sharing room with two or three adjacent beds. The beds will be properly equipped with pillows, mattresses, and blankets. Some rooms may have attached Western-style bathrooms, but as you rise to a higher altitude, you may get access to a traditional squat bathroom that is in a shared vicinity.
Likewise, you will get a communal dining area where you can interact with other fellow trekkers and share your stories and experiences of trekking.
Foods
With the large number of trekkers inflow in September, tea houses and lodges have a wide range of menus. You will be offered traditional Nepali food, regional foods, Indian and Tibetan cuisine, and some foreign specialties.
For breakfast, you can have wide options of foods like cereals, pancakes, oatmeal, soups, congee, toast with butter and jam, paratha, sel roti, puri tarkari, etc
Similarly, for lunch and dinner, you can expect dal bhaat tarkari, different types of khana sets, pasta, spaghetti, chow mein, momo, pizza, gundruk dhido, etc
Brief Itinerary
Day 01: Drive From Kathmandu To Bhulbhule (845m / 2,815ft) West Of The Kathmandu
Day 02: Trek From Bhulbhule (845m / 2,815ft) To Jagat (1,300m / 4,265ft)
Day 03: Trek From Jagat (1,300m / 4,265ft) To Dharapani(1,860m / 6,200ft)
Day 04: Trek From Dharapani (1,860m / 6,200ft) To Chame (2,610m /8,890ft)
Day 05: Trek From Chame (2,610m / 8,890ft) To Upper Pisang (3,300m / 10,826ft)
Day 06: Trek From Pisang (3,115m / 10,200ft) To Manang (3,540m / 11,300ft)
Day 07: Rest And Acclimatization Day At Manang (3,519m / 11,545ft)
Day 08: Trek From Manang (3,540m / 11,300ft) To Yak Kharka (4,050m / 14,275ft)
Day 09: Trek From Yak Kharka (4,050m/ 14,275ft) To Thorong Phedi (4,525m / 14,525ft)
Day 10: Trek From Thorong Phedi (4,525m / 14,525ft) To Muktinath Temple (3,760m / 12,623ft) Via Thorong La High Pass (5,416m / 17,756ft)
Day 11: Drive From Muktinath (3,760m / 12,623ft) To Jomsom And Tatopani (1,200m / 3,940ft)
Day 12: Trek From Tatopani (1,200m / 3,940ft) To Ghorepani (2,860m / 9,385ft)
Day 13: Early Morning Hike To Poon Hill (3,210m / 10,525ft) – Then Trek To Birethanti (1,039m / 3,250ft) – Drive To Nayapul, Pokhara
Day 14: Drive From Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft ) To Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,450ft)
Permits for Annapurna Circuit Trek in September
While preparing for the Annapurna Circuit trek in September, you will need to acquire two permits
- Annapurna Conservation Area permit
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Since you will have to walk on the trails of the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will need to get your permit checked in various check posts. This permit will cost you about US $30 per person.
Likewise, the TIMS card is the necessary documentation for all the information that values the safety and security of the trekkers. This will cost you about Rs. 1000 for foreign nationals. If you are SAARC nationals then it will cost you about Rs. 300 . You can take these permits either in Pokhara or Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board offices.
Precautions And Safety Measures To Take For Annapurna Circuit Trek In September
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is one of the major factors that causes altitude sickness. So, despite being hydrated it is very essential to chuck down almost 3 to 4 litres of water daily. In addition, you should not skip meals and include a balanced diet in your food. You can try daal bhaat tarkari, which is a staple food in Nepal.
Take Enough Cash
Major of the teahouses and lodges deal in Nepalese transactions so it is safe to carry enough cash with you during the Annapurna circuit trek in September. You can find ATMs in Jomsom and Ghandruk, but these ATMs cannot be relied upon for cash. Hence, you can encash some Nepalese currency in Pokhara and Kathmandu while you have enough access. Moreover, these transactions will cost you some additional charges, with the exchange rate fluctuating on a daily basis.
Is Annapurna Circuit Trek In September Suitable For Me?
Being one of the mainstream trekking in Nepal with a moderate level of difficulty, the Annapurna circuit trek is suitable for everyone with a basic level of physical fitness and mental resilience. The success rate of this trek is about 98% to 100%, with a very low chance of failing. Despite no any prior experience in trekking being required for this trek, that experience can always come in handy. There is no any age limit for this trek, but young children and people having medical issues of asthma, respiratory, and other heart problems are not encouraged to embark on this journey.
To prepare yourself for the trek, you can get some physical training that will boost your stamina along with increasing your strength. There are various programs that have been designated to meet your needs. If you do not want to take those training sessions, then you can try squat, push up, plank, lunge, jogging, dancing, swimming, and other different exercises on your own to make yourself more comfortable for the trek.
Packing For Annapurna Circuit Trek In September
Since you have to make your way through various climatic zones with some remnants of monsoon, it is essential to pack by determining factors like weather, altitude, etc.
Clothes
- Sun brim hat, cap, beanie
- Winter neck scarf or gaiters
- Breathable shirts and T-shirts
- The thermal vest or insulated inner
- Lightweight windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers
- Fleece jacket
- Down jacket
- Convertible hiking shorts
- Comfortable trousers
- Lightweight gloves
- Woollen-warm gloves
- Moisture wicking socks
- Extra pairs of underwear and socks
Shoes
- Comfortable and sturdy hiking boots
- Slipper or crocks
Toiletries And Personal Hygiene
- Towel
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Biodegradable soap
- Shampoo, conditioner
- Tissue paper, toilet paper, wet wipes
- Sunscreen with SPF, body lotion and body powders
- Insect repellent
- Foot powder
- Sanitizer
- Lip care
- A small mirror and nail clipper
- Personal medications
- Feminine hygiene products
Equipment
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses
- Small first aid with necessary medicine
- Sleeping bag( useful for all seasons)
- Duffle bag
- Rain cover
- backpack/daypack
- Reusable Water bottle and thermos flask
- Headlamp with batteries
- Powerbank and universal charging cord
- Camera, binoculars
- Map, compass, and GPS device
- Duct tape
Some Useful Tips For Trekking To Annapurna Circuit Trek In September
- Be respectful of the culture and tradition of the region
- Follow the guidelines of the guides
- Inform the guides immediately in case you feel any symptoms of altitude sickness or any other difficulties
- Remember that this is not a marathon, so walk at your pace by taking short breaks
- Try to avoid the intake of alcohol and large amounts of tea and coffee
- Always be cautious and alert