The Annapurna Circuit in Nepal is a 1 to -21-day hike (depending on the time you have available) that begins in the lush green villages of the Himalayan foothills and meanders over high mountain passes and down to the Mustang Valley.
Traveller and photographer Albert Retief hiked this trail with his 60-year-old father Paul Retief and shares some photos and advice from this challenging yet incredibly enjoyable journey.
Only bring what you need and focus on travelling light. Food was easy to find, as was accommodation. We quickly learned to take it slow and not to underestimate the altitude. You’ll need to prepare yourself for the Thorong La Pass, as it takes hikers to 5,416m (by way of comparison, the summit of Kilimanjaro is 5,895 m) but it’s worth it when you see the Tibetan-influenced temples and communities of the Mustang Valley. The most challenging day will be crossing the pass; it will push even the fittest hiker to their limits.
Also watch: Walking the Annapurna trail (video)
Need to know
Best time of year to do the trail: April to May and October to November are the best times to do the trail. Paul and Albert did it in October.
Permits
Permits, accommodation and finalising gear can be organised in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. You will need both the Trekker’s Information Management System card (TIMS) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). These will be checked at various checkpoints along the trek. Each permit costs $20 USD (about R280).
Make sure to take enough cash
I was told, ‘Make sure to not run out of money as there is no way to draw money while on the circuit. It’s only once you get to Jomson that you can find an ATM, so draw enough beforehand.’ This turned out to be a vital piece of advice on the trek.
Text and images: Albert Retief