Annapurna Circuit Trek in September

Annapurna Circuit Trek in September in nepal

Annapurna Circuit Trek in September is an ideal period to embrace the second most renowned trekking route in the Himalayas. September, the introductory month of the autumn season, declares the cycle of nature’s fall season in the Himalayas as the grey hue slowly takes over.

With the start of the autumn season, the summer heat starts to cool down, providing pleasant temperatures for outdoor adventure. Similarly, as the weather starts to get stable, the days are clear, and you will be able to enjoy the crisp views of the Himalayan to the end of the horizon. September, which starts right after the monsoon does add some unique prospects to this remarkable Himalayan adventure. This month is the perfect balance of the most pleasant climatic conditions, impeccable natural beauty, and an enthralling cultural experience.

This fascinating transition month between the autumn and monsoon seasons has lush natural beauty like the spring season, nourished by the rain, and, at the same time, it houses the incredible elements of the autumn season that are gradually taking over nature. Annapurna Circuit Trek in September is also the most appropriate period to explore the authentic beauty of the region in solitude, adoring its remarkable post-monsoon landscapes and colorful festivals.

General Trek Overview- Annapurna Circuit Trek is September

Annapurna Circuit Trek in September

Your Annapurna Circuit Trek in September will follow the classical trekking route from Dharapani [1,800 meters/ 6,430 feet] after a 7- 8 hours drive from Kathmandu [1,300 meters/ 4,264 feet]. Then, moving along the ascending route in this circumnavigating journey of the 10th highest peak in the world, you will trek through Chame [2,710 meters/ 8,891 feet] and Pisang [3,300 meters/ 10,824 feet] to reach Manang [3,540 meters/ 11,482 feet].

You will enjoy an acclimatization day in Manang before heading toward higher elevation points in this trek. From Manang, you will follow the trail toward Yak Kharka [4,050 meters/ 13,020 feet] and Thorong Phedi [4,050 meters/ 10,020 feet] before traversing across the highest altitude jump point of this trek, Thorong La Pass [5,416 meters/ 17,769 feet].

Then, moving further with this circuit trekking adventure, you will gradually descend down to Muktinath [3,800 meters/ 12,467 feet], Tatopani [1,200 meters/ 3,937 feet] and Ghorepani [2,850 meters/ 9,350 feet]. My Everest Trip’s exciting trekking adventure will also include a hike to the vantage point of the Annapurna region, Poon Hill [3,210 meters/ 10,530 feet]. This hike to Poon Hill would have normally been a different itinerary plan, but we have included this extra highlight of the region to add excitement to your journey.

After completing the Poon Hill exploration, you will then descend down to Pokhara [820 meters/ 2,690 feet]. Then, pulling the curtain on your journey at this popular tourist hub of the country, you will drive back to Kathmandu.

Perks of Doing Annapurna Circuit Trek in September

Annapurna Circuit Trek in October

Pleasant Weather Conditions

September starts right after the end of the monsoon season (June to August). The weather conditions from this month start to get stable, and the skies start to clear up. The temperature of the Annapurna region is relatively warmer as the bits of the summer season are still lingering around in this month.

You can expect the temperature to hover around 19°C to 31°C during your Annapurna Circuit Trek in September. Even at the alpine altitudes, the temperatures are pleasant, so you will have a comfortable experience even when crossing the Thorong La Pass.

Clear Mountain Paranoma

After the end of the monsoon season, as the climatic conditions start to improve, you will be rewarded with clear panoramic views of the Himalayan vistas during your Annapurna Circuit Trek in September.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek route is popular for the incredible views of the mountain ranges like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Chulu Peak, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Nilgiri and other adjacent peaks. So, your trekking trails during this month will reward you with the most astonishing views of the sparkling, pristine peaks under a clear blue sky.

Furthermore, thanks to the less haze and clear skies, you will have a more enhanced experience while enjoying the epic sunrise and sunset views during your trekking adventure this month.

Less Crowd

The month of Septemeber announces the start of the fascinating fall season in the country. However, as it is right after the monsoon season, this month may receive some occasional rainfall during the initial part.

So, to avoid the possibility of rainfall, trekkers often wait for the peak point of the autumn season, like October and early November. Due to this, if you decide to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek in September, you will have to deal with less crowd and can enjoy a more immersive journey.

Also, the teahouses/lodges will be fully prepared and operational by this month, and you might also receive some extra in-house amenities as the first guest of the trails.

Post Monsoon Landscapes

The monsoon rain nourishes the incredible landscapes of the Annapurna region. So, during your trekking adventure this month, you will be able to enjoy the lush and unspoiled freshness of nature.

Your trekking trails will be surrounded by lush landscapes and rich vegetation, the attractive seasonal wildflower will also greet your everyday adventure. Similarly, the cascading rivers, streams, and waterfalls that have simmer down from monsoon overflow add magnificence to the adventure.

Vibrant Festivals

Nepal celebrates incredible and colorful festivals all year round. Certainly, you will also be able to participate in several intriguing festivals of the country during your Annapurna Circuit Trek in Septemeber.

This beautiful Himalayan country follows the lunar calendar Birakm Sambat system, so the festivals are often shifting month to month. However, September is the core month for some of the most exciting festivals in the country, like Dashain, Gai Jatra, Indra Jatra, Teej, and Pachali Bhairab Jatra.

Thus, not only will you be able to relish in the true Himalayan magnificence of the peak season, but you will also have the opportunity to include a cultural experience in your trip if you Annapurna Circuit Trek in this month.

Wildlife Sighting

After the end of the monsoon season, the elusive wildlife and birdlife in the Annapurna Conservation Area start to move more freely. This will provide you the opportunity to witness the fascinating flora and fauna of the region during your trekking adventure.

The Annapurna Conservation Area is primarily known for housing endangered wildlife species like Himalayan musk deer, snow leopard, red panda, clouded bear, Himalayan black bear, gray wolf, etc.

Similarly, bird species like impeyan pheasant, crimson horned pheasant, cheer pheasant, red-headed vultures, etc, are protected inside the conservation area. So, if you are a wildlife enthusiast, the exploration prospects in the Annapurna region during this month are quite extensive.

Challenges and Considerations for Annapurna Circuit Trek in September

Annapurna Circuit Trek in September is a delightful trekking experience that includes fascinating natural, cultural, and religious aspects to your adventure. It would be an understatement to say that the exhilarating Annapurna Circuit Trek is at its best in this month.

September, nestled between the lushness-like spring and the charms of the fall season, creates the most suitable window frame for a spectacular adventure. In case if you are worried about its difficulty level, this exciting Himalayan journey is rated as a moderately difficult adventure.

There are no technically demanding sections along the trekking route, and even trekkers with zero trekking experience can take part in this exploration. Still, Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you to the high altitude points of the region, and you will also need to trek over one of the highest Himalayan passes, Thorong La Pass [5,416 meters/ 17,769 feet], in this trek.

So, you need to make adequate preparations and acclimatize properly to add comfort to your trek. Similarly, you will have to cover the approximate trekking distance of 160 km to 230 km (100 miles to 145 miles) in this circuit trekking adventure, which can be another challenging factor for the trekkers.

In your everyday trek, you will walk about 6 to 7 hours on average. As you ascend to the higher altitudes maneuvering on the remote and rugged trails, it can be physically vexing if you haven’t trained properly.

Is This Trek Suitable for Me?

Is This Trek Suitable for Me

Like we discussed, the Annapurna Circuit Trek in September is not a strenuous Himalayan adventure and has only a mild difficulty level. The elevation gain during each day of the adventure is not as significant as other high-altitude treks and doesn’t require technical tools, even at the high Himalayan pass.

The overall difficulty level of this exciting Himalayan adventure will significantly depend on the efforts you will put in while training. If you make enough preparations, you will be more confident during the trip and will enjoy a remarkable adventure.

Annapurna Circuit Trek has a success rate of 98% to 100%; this successful completion rate does give you insights into the actual difficulty level of the trek. In the trekking history of Annapurna Circuit, even children and elderly trekkers have completed this circuit trekking route without any issues.

If you have a basic fitness level and good health, you are already more than qualified to take part in this Himalayan adventure. Now, it depends on how much effort you want to put into training to make your journey as memorable as possible.

What Kind of Training is Effective for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

What Kind of Training is Effective for Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna region in the Himalayas is generally known for its numerous steep sections. During your Himalayan trekking journey, you will need to overcome these sections with continuous ascends and descends at rising altitudes.

On top of that, you will also need to carry your luggage with you during every day of the trek, and it can be physically demanding. So, your first major focus for the preparation should be on strength, endurance, and stamina training.

If you work on these aspects, it will prepare you for the overall physical demand of this high-altitude trek. You can also do some practice hikes on the steep trails near you; this will give you a proper idea to understand what kind of path you can expect during your trek.

Also, taking tips from professional trainers and mountain trekking guides can be handy to design an effective training program.

Strength and Endurance Training Exercises: Squat, Deadlift, Bicep Curl, Push Up, Plank, Lunge, Leg Raise, Woodchop, Hollow Hold, Pull Up, Bench Press, Hammer Curl, Step Up, etc

Stamina Training Exercises: Stair Climbing, Cycling, Jumping Rope, Swimming, Cardio, Dancing, High Knees, Mountain Climber, Burpee, Jogging, etc

**Note: You should train about 3 to 6 weeks prior to your trek; you can adjust the duration of your training program depending on how much physically active you are**

Permits Required for Annapurna Circuit Trek in September

Permits Required for Annapurna Circuit Trek in September

The permits required to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the price for the permits are not seasonal in this trekking region. You will require two permits to do this trek throughout the year, and the price is a constant factor as well.

Permits for Annapurna Circuit Trek

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit
  • Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card

In this remarkable journey, you will traverse across the protected area of the Annapurna Conservation Area (est 1985). So, you will need to get the ACAP Permit, which will cost about US$ 30.

Similarly, a TIMS Card (costs about US$ 17) is another requirement for this trek; this card helps the authorities to keep track of your transition points. With the help of this card, the authorities can effectively arrange rescue and evacuation operations if needed.

Health and Safety

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The health and safety of trekkers is the top and foremost priority of My Everest Trip. Your Himalayan journey will be accompanied by a government-licensed trekking guide with significant years of experience in the region.

Your guide will moderate your health condition during each day of the trek and will also check your oxygen saturation level daily to see how well your body is adapting to the new altitudes.

In case of altitude-related sickness and general illness, your guide, who is exceptional at both first aid and high altitude response, will make the call either to let you join the trek after some rest or evacuate you back to Kathmandu via helicopter.

You also need to properly follow the instructions of the guide and strictly stick to the safety precautions. Also, your guide will conduct a comprehensive risk assessment and brief you on the details of your everyday trekking route for a safe and enjoyable experience.

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Accommodation Options for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Although the Annapurna Circuit Trek is world-renowned for its remarkable teahouse trekking experience, you can also opt out for other modes of accommodation during your Himalayan exploration.

During your Annapurna Circuit Trek, the most viable accommodation options are teahouses, lodges, guesthouses, homestays, and camping tents. You can decide on the services depending on the experience you are seeking and your budget.

In your standard 14 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will spend 2 nights in Kathmandu, 1 night in Pokhara, and 10 nights in the mountain. Your standard trekking package will get you a moderate level of accommodating facility where you will stay in a warm room with 2 to 3 adjoined beds.

The available facilities at teahouses are of moderate level, with modern bathroom facilities in lower regions and mixed-traditional style at the higher altitudes. If you want some additional comfort and a more personalized experience, you can also choose luxurious or custom-designed trekking packages.

Cost of Annapurna Circuit Trek in Septemeber

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The cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is about US$ 850 to US$ 4,500. Your overall package cost is determined by the number of itinerary days in your trek, the inclusion of other side-itinerary plans, and the quality of services.

My Everest Trip is offering the most ideal 14 Day Annapurna Circuit Trek package at just US$ 970 per person. This is the best market-value trekking package in the Annapurna region and doesn’t compromise when it comes to exciting exploration prospects in the circuit trekking route and the quality of the services.

Our trekking package will cover the cost of all land transportation used throughout the trekking adventure, the cost of standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and all necessary permits required for the trip.

Furthermore, your mentioned trekking package will also include the scots of all government expenses and taxes, including our official service cost. For booking or any kind of queries, you can get in touch with us via our Contact Page.

Some Helpful Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek in September

  • Stay hydrated; you should drink at least 3-4 liters of water during long days of trek
  • Eat a balanced diet even if you feel a loss of appetite at higher altitudes
  • Acclimatize properly and trek slowly
  • Pack light and smart; excessive luggage can drain your energy during long-haul treks
  • Pack appropriate layers to protect your body from different climatic conditions
  • Bring your favorite snacks, energy bars, and dry fruits; these will help you fuel for the walk during the long transition points between the teahouses/lodges
  • Respect local culture and traditions
  • Keep a safe distance and follow the instructions of the guide while encountering wildlife
  • Pay attention to your health and know your limit
  • Communicate properly with the guide if you are facing any discomfort or difficulty
  • Stay positive and enjoy the remarkable adventure
Puru Founder of My Everest Trip

Puru Thapaliya

My name is Puru (Purushottam Thapaliya). Since completing the Government Guide Training from Nepal’s Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (KEEP and HRA), I have been a specialist in mountain trekking and peak climbing. With specific expertise in the Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan regions, I have now been a trekking guide and tour operator in Nepal, and across the Himalayas, since 2012.