Annapurna Circuit Trek in April

The Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal is an awesome place to go trekking, especially in April when it’s most crowded. This trek will take you through two valleys in the Annapurna region. It will then offer you stunning views of the world’s tallest mountains, like Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Annapurna, Fishtail, and Nilgiri.

When you combine Annapurna Circuit Trek with April, you will find yourself trekking the region in one of the best months in Nepal.

It is simply because the weather and climate of the region are optimum during April. Furthermore, due to the Spring season, you will come across paths with blooming rhododendron forests and pine trees.

During this month, there is very little chance of rainfall and snowfall so the routes are easier to walk. The teahouses on the routes are also open throughout the altitude. It makes it easier for trekkers to get amazing food and accommodation services.

So if you want to know more about Annapurna Circuit Trek, especially in April then let’s delve into it.

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek in April

• Stunning views of some tallest mountains like Annapurna, Fishtail, and Dhaulagiri.
• Exploration through Throang La Pass.
• Visit the Annapurna Conservation Area and find out about the endangered flora and fauna.
• Reach the sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists in Muktinath.
• Exploration and breakfast in Marpha.
• Meet local Gurungs and Magars around the area and learn about their cultures and lifestyles.
• Enjoy local apple delicacies like Apple pie, Apple Pickles, and Marpha which is the kind of a local drink.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Temperature in April

April is among the best months for Annapurna Circuit Trek along with March, May, September, October, and November. It is because the temperature is adequate, especially in the daytime it rises to 20 degrees Celsius. However, in the morning and night, the region is still chilly and the temperature can fall to – 9 degrees Celsius.

This is the average range of temperature in the higher altitude and during other seasons or months there is a chance of it constantly changing. However, during April, the temperature generally remains stable which benefits the trekkers.

So based on the above deduction, you must prepare your clothing accordingly. It is essential to keep yourself warm all the time, especially during the night and morning time so make sure to take warm clothing with you.

In April the daytime Annapurna region gets sunlight for almost eight hours which will increase the temperature. In the afternoon times, the winds are fast which is why the atmosphere is still chilly and not extremely hot making it suitable for trekking.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Weather in April

Along with the temperature, the weather during April is also appropriate for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The weather is usually sunny with low humidity. You can see clear and breathtaking mountain views, particularly from higher elevations.

The routes are easier to trek as there is less chance of rainfall during April. The lower portion of the Annapurna region may bring little to moderate rainfall. Sometimes thunder and lightning are ruining the fun for some trekkers.

However, if you are in the Mustang area in April then you will not experience rainfall as they fall in the rain shadow area. There is more than a 15% increase in trekkers in April Since both the temperature and weather are perfect for the trek.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Backpacking For April

While going on Annapurna Circuit Trek in April it is wise to take important items with you all the time. Hence it is advisable to categorize your items according to their importance so let’s get into it.

Documents and Paperwork

• Proof of Travel Insurance
• Valid Passport, Visa, Tickets, and a couple of passport-size photos
• Photocopy of Passport, Visa, and Tickets
• Nepali currencies for the higher altitudes where you won’t get ATM or bank facilities.
• All the necessary trekking permits before or after reaching the Annapurna region.
• Clothing Items
• Down and Shell Jackets
• Windproof Jackets and Trousers
• Gloves and Thermal boots
• Windcheater
• Trekking T-shirts and socks
• Hiking boots, and bandanas

Other Trekking Items

• Sleeping Bags
• Sunscreen lotion, face creams, and lip balm
• Sunglasses
• Headscarf and Bandanas
• Ropes and Hooks

Medical and Sanitary Items

• First Aid Kits
• Medicines like Diamax for headache and altitude sickness
• Multiple clean toilet paper rolls
• Hand Sanitizers and Soaps
• Water Purification Tablets
• Vapor rubs and medicine for colds
• Quick Drying Towels

Hence these are all the necessary items needed for backpacking during your ACT in April. Always prioritize the items that are necessary like your clothing, medicine, and trekking items, and make sure to pack light if you can.

Food and Lodge During April

April is among the most popular months for trekking in Nepal. As there are more trekkers and tourists during this time, you’ll find more places to stay and eat along the route. In the case of accommodation, you can break it down into two halves: Lodges in city areas and Lodges in remote areas.

When you first arrive in Kathmandu you will stay in the three-star house with a standard service. You can also choose from the budgeted hotels to five-star hotels which are quite expensive. When you’re done with Kathmandu, you can head to Pokhara for more options of affordable, three-star, or five-star hotels.

You will come across more teahouses and lodges, as you trek from Pokhara to the ACT routes. Lodging services are quite limited in these teahouses. During these tea houses, you will get a room with a twin bed which means you may have to share with other trekkers. There is an exception for single female trekkers who will get the service of a single room without paying additional money.

The toilets in these teahouses are single and attached to the room. So you have to share your toilet and sink with other people. You will also get warm blankets, bed sheets, and fluffy pillows which will make your night cozy and warm. You can also ask for additional blankets and pillows if you want.

You can even get extra services like hot showers, WIFI connections, and charging ports. You might have to pay extra for these additional services. As the altitude increases the teahouses get smaller and their services become limited. These teahouses are normally closed during the rainy or winter season.

You will receive different food services in cities compared to remote areas. When looking for food in city areas, there are many options available. You can try local Nepali or Newari cuisine or choose from a variety of international foods. The options are Thai, Italian, British, Continental, Chinese, Spanish, Mexican, and others.

As you start to climb altitude along the way from Pokhara and reach lodges and teahouses, the menus become limited. You can still get local Nepali cuisines like Dal Bhat, Dhindo, and Roti. Western menus like Momo, Chow Mein, Sandwiches, Pizzas, Burgers, Macaroni, and Spaghetti, are also available.

Tourists and trekkers frequent the routes and teahouses throughout the year. To cater to their needs, the chefs have received training to prepare some excellent Western dishes. The teahouses at higher altitudes offer a limited menu that includes local Dal Bhat, lentils, pickles, Roti, and Noodle Soup.

The ACT in April brings more crowds so the locals provide a few more menus than other months. Keep in mind, that the chances of more people visiting in the month are quite large. So make sure to book your ACT Trek in advance if you want to get proper food and lodging experience in the region.

Read More: Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost

Benefits of Annapurna Circuit Trek in April

There are several benefits of Annapurna Circuit Trek in April. So let’s get into it.

• Perfect weather and climate for trekking around the Annapurna region.
• You don’t have to pack several things during the trek in April or Spring season.
• Get additional food and lodging services from the locals during this month.
• The trekking route is really pleasant with blooming flowers and trees around.
• Less chance of rainfall and snowfall making the trekking route easier to scale.
• Get a perfect panoramic view of the mountains and hills due to clear weather.
• If you don’t want to trek alone, then trekking this month is better.
• Possibility of trekking Annapurna National Park area in its best quality.
• Be part of different festivals like Ghode Jatra, Bisket Jatra, and Buddha Jayanti in the region during April.

Cons of Annapurna Circuit Trek in April

There are not only benefits of trekking ACT in April, but there are some cons as well which are listed below:

• If you are a private trekker, then this month is not for you as the trails are quite crowded.
• One of the biggest drawbacks of trekking ACT in April is the price of lodges and food are high since it is a peak season.
• You might have to book the lodge of your choice quite a few months in advance if you are planning for ACT in April.

Chances of Altitude Sickness in ACT

Chances of Altitude Sickness during the ACT is quite possible since you are trekking above the altitude of 4000m. The chances of altitude sickness increases after the altitude of 2500m and maximizes after 3500m.

It is important to learn about the sickness, its symptoms, and its preventive methods. The symptoms of Altitude sickness are dry throat, cold, headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, joint and back aches, dizziness, etc.

One of the obvious reasons for Altitude sickness is to rush toward a higher altitude. It is important to gradually ascent and descent throughout your trekking. Ascending higher continuously will not give your body ample time to get used to the climate, altitude, and temperature.

In the higher altitude, the oxygen base is lower which is why it makes it difficult to breathe. It also makes your body vulnerable to weakness, diseases, and minor inconveniences in your body.

Hence expert advisors and trekking guides usually mark either one or two days as the rest day or an acclimatization day. Another way you can suffer from altitude sickness is if your body is dehydrated. So make sure to drink plenty of water along the journey and also keep your body warm.

You can also prevent altitude sickness by keeping yourself warm all the time. Make sure to wear warm clothes and drink hot drinks like tea with ginger, and honey which will keep you warm throughout your trekking.

You must also always carry medicine for altitude sickness like Diamax. It will relieve you from the illness for you to lower elevation quickly. In some stances, you might have to quit your trek as you can’t continue forward. You can get rescued via helicopter so many experts recommend preparing for altitude sickness instead of waiting to get cured.

Frequently Asked Questions By Travelers