Annapurna Circuit

Most nationalities need to purchase a tourist visa to visit Nepal. As of November 2023, the Nepalese Department of Immigration website states that a 15-day tourist visa costs US$30 (or €27), and a 30-day tourist visa costs US$50 (or €46).

There are no mandatory vaccinations for travel to Nepal. For thorough answers to all such practical travel matters, please read Your Nepal travel questions answered.

The only international airport in Nepal is in Kathmandu, in the east of the country. The Annapurna region is in the west of the country, so you need to drive there from Kathmandu, which takes about two days.

If you opt to do the Annapurna Circuit trek with Follow Alice, we organise your transport to and from the Annapurna region.

The Annapurna Circuit is a tough multiday trek that requires you to climb high into the Himalayas. Most reasonably fit people can manage it just fine. One of the most difficult aspects is actually the high altitude, which can lead to altitude sickness. This is why it's important to include an acclimatisation day, as we do. You might like to learn more by reading Is the Annapurna Circuit hard? You can also learn how best to prepare for the trip by reading 10 tips for trekking the Annapurna Circuit.

The Annapurna Circuit is a safe exercise provided you travel with an experienced and properly trained trek guide.

The Annapurna Circuit route takes you high into the remote Himalayas. You're far from hospitals if something goes wrong. You're also entering a very cold and harsh climate, and the weather can change quickly and become deadly. So you need someone who (1) knows the route and its dangers and how to avoid them, (2) keeps a close eye on the weather forecast, and (3) can detect the early signs of altitude sickness and respond appropriately.

At Follow Alice, all of our high-altitude treks are led by qualified and experienced English-speaking guides who know how to keep you safe.

In 10 tips for trekking the Annapurna Circuit, we discuss how to protect yourself from things like altitude sickness and exposure. We also consider the importance of items like trekking poles and good, sturdy boots. Please take the time to read this post and prepare yourself properly for the rigours and elements of this high-altitude trek. While our trek guides' top priority is your safety, it's also important for you to come prepared and do your part.

The higher you climb, the fewer oxygen molecules you breathe in per breath. Your body finds it hard to function properly with less oxygen, and so needs to be given adequate time to adapt to each new jump in elevation.

Altitude sickness is the body reacting badly to being made to go too high, too quickly. Symptoms of altitude sickness include nausea, vertigo, headaches and sleeplessness. Severe altitude sickness can be fatal. This is why we take it so seriously, and so should you.

Anything above 3,000 m can lead to altitude sickness. We climb well above 5,000 m on the Annapurna Circuit, so altitude sickness is a risk that comes with the climb.

You can learn more about it and how to prepare for it in Is the Annapurna Circuit hard? and 10 tips for trekking the Annapurna Circuit.

Yes, you absolutely need traveller's insurance to trek the Annapurna Circuit. Specifically, you need insurance that covers you for hiking up to 6,000 m above sea level. In fact, the Nepalese Government won't grant you a trekking permit without proof of traveller's insurance.

There are a few different factors to consider when choosing a month to trek the Annapurna Circuit. These include rainfall, temperature, snowfall, visibility, scenery and crowds. The most popular trekking seasons are October and November, and late March to May, as they're reasonably mild and receive little rainfall.

We recommend reading Best time to hike Annapurna Circuit to get a fuller picture of the different seasons and so decide on the best time to go for you.

You don't need much gear to trek the Annapurna Circuit, as we overnight in traditional teahouses and are served hot meals there. What you do need is a winter down jacket, a good pair of water-resistant trekking boots, and a four-season sleeping bag. You also need a backpack for carrying your items for the day (porters carry the rest of your belongings). Finally, we recommend bringing trekking poles as they're very useful in helping with balance as well as taking some of the pressure off of your knees on downhills.

For a full list of the clothes and gear to bring, please read Annapurna Circuit packing list.