Regarding the difficulty level of any trekking route in Nepal, we must not overlook the issues of altitude sickness. Walking at sea level or slightly higher for several hours is quite comfortable for most people, but when you start getting over 4,000m (13,123ft.), then those several hours seems to feel never-ending. The Annapurna circuit route is the longest route in this region and is a complete circling of the Annapurna massif. Comparatively, it is considered to be harder and longer in duration than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It is because hikers will be walking across the high-altitude Thorong La Pass at 5,416m (17,764ft.). Besides the altitude, what really make this trek hard are the steep climbs and long distances along with pared-down amenities. The route usually remains closed during the winter season due to the heavy snow accumulation on the trails. As it is a long trek, you need to be in great shape of physical fitness so that you can walk for at least 5 to 7 hours each day. Even beginners can do this trek provided that they train themselves at least 3 months prior the trek. Cycling, swimming, acrobatics, hiking, jogging, and cardiovascular exercises are some ways to get your body trained for a successful journey in the Himalayas.

The best time to do Annapurna Circuit Trek is during the pre-monsoon months of March through to May. It is also favorable to trek during the post-monsoon months from late September till December. It is also possible to do this trek in February and early September but the most preferable time for this trek is as stated above.

Accommodation in the Annapurna region is considered by far the best with upscale service than anywhere else in the upper Himalayas. It’s all up to you to decide where you want to sleep – guesthouse, hotels or resorts, or teahouses. Guesthouses vary from upmarket to the extreme low-budget with the poor quality. For having a comfy lifestyle, especially after tramping all day, there are hotels and resorts some of which boast costly amenities. These hotels or resorts may not be as much deluxe as those in the urban areas but they are definitely well off than the cheap lodges or budges guesthouses. Teahouse accommodations are the most predominant amongst hikers in the Annapurna region and they are equipped with furnished wooded bed and solar hot showers. You will have a pillow, mattress and a blanket in the two-bedded room plus western toilet facilities. As you keep ascending higher, the accommodation will be more and more basic, perhaps with shared toilets and bucket showers.