Annapurna Circuit Trek in September

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular trekking trails in Nepal. Now you combine it with the autumn season in September, it becomes even more enjoyable. The trek is vibrant with cultural and natural wonders. You will reach the beautiful city life of Pokhara to explore the peaceful panoramic view from the tallest pass in the world Thorong La Pass.

This trek is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the world. There is nothing like this anywhere else in this world. You will pass through small settlements of Magars and Gurungs. There you will explore old temples and monasteries, and find yourself in the mesmerizing Annapurna Region.

You will also get the chance to explore the Annapurna Conservation Area. The local region and Nepal government have done a praiseworthy job of keeping some of the endangered animals and plants safe.

Now if you have decided to trek Annapurna Circuit Trek in September and want to know more let’s delve in.

Highlights

• Unique Exploration of the tallest pass in the world Throng La Pass.
• Visit and learn about rare flora and fauna in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
• Breathtaking panoramic view of a few mountains like Fishtail, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, etc.
• Trek towards the biggest temple for Hindus and Buddhists of the country Muktinath.
• Eat and drink delicious apple cuisines like pickle, apple pie, and local wine, Marpha.
• Visit the local Magars and Gurungs settlement and learn about their culture and tradition.
• Stroll around the beautiful crowded nightlife on the lakeside or the quiet peaceful area of Jomsom.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Temperature in September

During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, the daytime temperature is optimal for the trek. The temperature rises during the daytime. It rises to 30 degrees Celsius at lower altitudes whereas it rises to 15 degrees at higher altitudes.

The temperature decreases to 5 degrees during the morning at night in Mustang. During the day the temperature in Mustang rises to 11 degrees. In your Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will reach the highest elevation in Throng La Pass.

Thorong La Pass lies at an altitude of over 5400m which means at any time of the year the temperature is cold. The temperature at that altitude is normally ranging from -5 to =15 degrees Celsius.

Overall, September brings almost perfect temperature for trekking Annapurna Circuit. There is occasional rainfall in the lower altitudes which decreases the temperature. The higher altitudes are still cold so you must prepare by packing warmer clothes.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Weather in September

Many veterans classify Annapurna Circuit Trek weather into two parts. One is post-monsoon weather and the other is stable weather

Post-monsoon weather starts in early September. During September, Nepal experiences the end of its monsoon season. Although some parts of the region may still experience rainfall during this time. Annapurna region receives slight rainfall this month, particularly in the lower altitude areas. So if you are planning for ACT in September, then you must prepare for occasional rainfall.

Hence, the routes are sometimes wet and slippery but not as frequently as during the monsoon season. The weather also doesn’t change as much as in the monsoon season. However, the day becomes a bit chilly, and nights and mornings are reasonably cold.

During late September, the post-monsoon season stops and the autumn season begins. The late September to late October is the perfect time for trekking ACT. The weather is clear and visibility is not affected by either rainfall or snowfall. Hence, you can enjoy the breathtaking views even more freely.

You can experience the stunning views of local settlements, hills, and mesmerizing mountains from very far away. It is wise to start trekking the Annapurna Circuit in late September. However, keep in mind the weather is dynamic in the higher altitudes.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Backpacking For September

September might be one of the best months for trekking Annapurna Circuit Trek. However, if you have yet to pack essential clothes, medicines, or gear it might cause some difficulties. So let’s take a look at some of the essential items you need in your backpack for your ACT in September.

Medicines

• Medicines for colds and allergies
• Anti-inflammatory gel
• Band-aids or blister plasters for bad blisters
• Altitude medication like Diamox
• Water bottle with a filter and water purification tablets or liquid
• Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for pain relief
• Antibacterial and insect-repellent creams

Clothing

• Warm down jacket
• Rain Jacket
• Waterproof and Windproof Hiking Pants
• Pair of shorts and T-shirts
• Hiking Poles
• Thermal bottoms and tops
• A Sun Hot
• Shoes / Suppliers
• Sun and Hiking Shoes

Sanitary and Personal Care Products

• Shampoo and Hair conditioner
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Toilet Rolls, Soaps, Hand Sanitizer
• Toothpaste and toothbrush

Other Equipment and Gears

• Sleeping Bag
• Dry bags
• Dry Towels
• Portable Solar Charger
• Trekking Poles
• Camera and Tripod
• Extra batteries

Food and Lodge During September

Annapurna Circuit Trek in September is also famous for the teahouses that you will come across for food and lodges. But at the beginning of your trek, you will stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara. There you will have a choice of different hotels. You can choose from cheap but budgeted hotels or expensive three-star hotels.

September is a beautiful time especially the late month when there is very minimal chance of rainfall. This time the number of tourists also increased so the accommodation and teahouses have high demand. This will result in an increase in their prices along with the increased services as well.

As you start trekking from Pokhara towards the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will come across small teahouses. They have limited services like rooms with double beds, and attached bathrooms. So you may have to share a room with another trekker along with your bathroom and sink.

If you are a female trekking individually, then you can get a private single room without paying extra. During the night, you will get fluffy pillows, blankets, and bedsheets. Make sure to keep yourself warm at night so you will get extra blankets and bedsheets if you need them.

Some teahouses can provide extra services if you pay extra. The extra services include charging ports, hot drinking water, hot showers, single bedrooms, and a WIFI connection. However, as you climb more altitudes, some of these services are not available.

You will get minimal services in the top altitude teahouses which are often open in September. These teahouses are often closed in the winter and rainy seasons with the fear of landslides and snowstorms.

On food, it is like your lodging services. First, you can have unlimited menu options in the three-star hotels of Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can also find different types of menus from local Nepali and Newari to western cuisines. Some of the menus are Italian, Australian, British, Japanese, Thai, and Continental dishes.

During the trek, you will have three-course meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. As the altitude increases the menu in your food services becomes limited. You can have local Newari Dal Bhat and Roti to Western breakfast with bread, eggs, macaroni, spaghetti, dumplings, pizzas, and burgers.

The teahouses at the top of the Annapurna Circuit Trek might have only local delicacies. You can have local foods like Rice, Lentils, Wheat Bread, Dhindo, and green vegetables. As September is quite a popular month of trek, you might find a few more food items.

However, you must also consider that the route is very crowded at this time. So please be sure to book your trek early to get the best food and lodge services during your Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Please keep in mind that food and lodging costs are high this month due to a large number of visitors trekking during this period. This is because of the tough months preceding and succeeding the Spring season.

Chances of Altitude Sickness in ACT

Altitude sickness is a possibility during the ACT trek in September since you are trekking above 4000m. They are more likely to occur after reaching an altitude of 2500m and the possibility increases even more after 3500m.

To avoid altitude sickness, it’s important to learn about the illness, its symptoms, and how to prevent it. Symptoms may include a dry throat, feeling cold, headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, joint and back pains, dizziness, and more.

One of the main reasons for altitude sickness is ascending too quickly. Gradual ascent and descent will give your body time to adjust to the climate, altitude, and temperature. Avoid ascending continuously as this can make it harder for your body to adjust.

When you’re at a higher altitude, the level of oxygen decreases. You will feel harder to breathe causing your body to be more susceptible to sickness. To help prevent this, trekking guides and experts often designate one or two days as rest or acclimatization days. Additionally, dehydration can also lead to altitude sickness, so be sure to drink plenty of water and keep warm during your journey.

It is important to stay warm if you want to avoid altitude sickness. You can do this by wearing warm clothing. You can also be warm by drinking hot beverages such as ginger tea with honey. These drinks will help keep you warm throughout your trek.

However, it is important to bring medicine for altitude sickness, like Nifedipine. This medicine can help relieve symptoms of the sickness. However, if they persist, you must quickly descend to a lower altitude. In some cases, altitude sickness can become so severe that you may need to stop trekking altogether. If this happens, you must immediately contact your travel agency for your rescue via helicopter.

Benefits of Annapurna Circuit Trek in September

• September is the first month of Autumn. It is the month after the monsoon so the trail is less crowded than other autumn months.
• The temperature and weather in September are best for trekking the Annapurna Circuit.
• Due to the recent monsoon season, the surroundings are green with blooming flowers.
• In the upper part of the Mustang region, the visibility is amazing due to less rainfall.
• Get extra services since September is the peak month for trekking.
• Floras and Faunas are at their best during September.

Cons of Annapurna Circuit Trek in September

• Some years the monsoon rain doesn’t stop till late September making the route difficult to scale.
• The number of trekkers starts to increase, making the route more crowded.
• After the start of September, the price of food and lodges in teahouses increases.
• If you are looking for privacy during the trek, then this month is not for you.

Frequently Asked Question Asked by Annapurna Circuit Travelers in September