One of the much-talked-about Annapurna Circuit, a circuit that wraps around a large massif within the bosom tickling heartland of Nepali Himalaya, is usually full during its peak seasons: Spring & Autumn. But for some, the monsoon season — usually streaking in with heavy rains from June to August — is another Nepal entirely, and perhaps one even more worth it. Descend from the rooftop City of Dwellers rains that can clog visibility on even a good day this time of year- walk backwards in your monkey shoes- late September rain sluices up to higher altitudes, is clamped below with extreme prejudice by the classic Day Is Done Spectacular Rainfall Shadow Effect, producing a molto dry trek caked wall-to-wall with healthy colors and backed by absolutely dead quiet stillness one literally does not see during any other phase of the calendar. Below is a complete guide to help you do it right and stay safe on the Annapurna Circuit in the monsoon.
Monsoon and Riding Trail Dynamics
The herdsmen must know the monsoons as well, but they must also judge them according to their trail.
Nepal’s monsoon season (mid-June to August) can cause heavy rain, humidity, and heat in the lower, subtropical elevations within the Annapurna region (Besisahar, Marsyangdi Valley). There are slippery, muddy paths to them, pitted by the landslips and swollen stream courses, into long hours of careful groping at an expert level. But the large chunk behind/in between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges is that of the micro-meteorological holy grail called The Great Rain Shadow, where monsoon rain clouds simply have absolutely no fucking clue how to invade. Towns such as Manang and the Kali Gandaki Valley, beyond—up to Muktinath (in the opposite direction) and Jomsom—get much less rain. The weather here can be unexpectedly dry and reasonable, with clear mornings for excellent mountain views before the clouds bloom later in the day. The thickets and obstacles we had met at the lower altitude quickly dissolved into a serene emerald green of high-altitude desert.
Essential Gear and What to Pack for a Rainy Hike
So, how well prepared your gears are before the monsoon decides how good your trek is going to be this monsoon. There is no need to worry about the real enemy – subzero! – and concentrate on keeping dry and upright in these cold, harsh sidewalks. You have to pack for two climates: the hot, wet lowlands, and the cold, dry high mountains.
Spend some money on a pricy pair of waterproof hiking boots that offer excellent traction and have been broken in before you leave – no blisters! Wear these with garters (gaiters) to protect against mud and leeches in the lower forested parts of the trek. It’s all about layering: A quick-drying synthetic or wool base and mid-layers, and a totally reliable water- and windproof jacket/shell — no exceptions here! — are really the least amount of protection you’ll want to have on hand should it be a deluge. You’ll want a rain cowl on your backpack, and internal dry bags or waterproof stuff sacks for electronics and a sleeping bag. Hiking poles aren’t simply an optional accessory; they may be critical for dealing with slick and muddy trails and river crossings. Sooner or later, some pair of moisture-wicking socks and some packets of salt or tobacco could be useful to keep out leeches while you enter the low-mendacity forests.
Building Your Itinerary in the Wet Season
Duration: The volleyball route for 14–21 days, depending on the specific conditions of the monsoon. So having a lot of monsoon trekkers would do what our famous guide reckons about 5 days, if you are prepared to pay for expensive local transport (almost zep) past the lowest ‘possibly impassable’ parts. By going by road from Besisahar or Syange to a higher village (Chame is good, or all the way up to Manang), you can bypass some of the wettest and most landslide-prone portions.
If you begin higher up, you can be further in the rain shadow and appreciate the stunning high-desert landscapes more fully — preferably at less crowded peak-summer times. But you still must do a gradual ascent, and add a few acclimatization days in Manang (and other such locales), particularly if you opt out of lower trails. The only thing that is a nuisance about the monsoon time (obviously) is you never quite know what your trail conditions are going to be like, and obstructions such as landslides or swollen rivers can slow you down by minutes up to 2-3 days at a time – so best done with a wee bit of planning, contingencies for your overall route plan!
Walking Your Way Around: Safety Tips and Useful Hiking Hints
There’s a need to exercise extra care when hiking in the non-summer months. I experienced the trails as dangerously muddy and sandy — especially on inclines and banks near the river — so tread carefully, rely on those trekking poles for balance. Cross suspension bridges one at a time and carefully, as always.
A neighborhood manual is usually recommended to be up-to-date to minimize the risk of path blockage and unexpected weather adjustments. Up to date and skilled climber within the vicinity, the local guide may be able to provide you with information regarding trail situations, what risks may lie ahead, and, possibly, a more secure alternative if you discover a phase of this route blocked. They also contribute to making the river crossing safer and are your first up-to-date point of contact in an emergency. One of them for monsoon treks is to start early in the morning, as there are clearer skies, occasional cooler temperatures, and most of the rains happen at a later time during the day or even at night.
Below is the off-season housing and post-season logistics.
The teahouses en route are all open, but passes that get through the very bottom of canyons may have restricted facilities. Having so few crowds also means you don’t need to plod and can often haggle for a better room or rate. Annapurna Circuit Trekking. For more on accommodation bunks, often damp with high humidity, a thermal liner can help you to get warm enough to sleep.
There may be power outages, especially during periods of heavy rain, so a charged-up power bank is crucial for your electronics. With all the run-off and rains, bringing a top-of-the-line filtering system is recommended, or bring some nice quality purification taplets- taplets. Taplets- aplets the water here has never been more precarious. And, though the teahouses charge a fee to boil water, not having to rely on that infrastructure is a safer way to stay hydrated and avoid getting sick.
Health and Altitude Management
There is no slackening, during the monsoon, of the ropes of these high-altitude rules. No, you can’t slap it on the quad and ride a few miles up; that doesn’t count as acclimatization, no matter what time of year it is. Altitude and its associated sickness are the only dangers higher than Manang. Do listen to your body, and heed the “climb high, sleep low” maxim and an extra rest day now and then.
Closing Thoughts: The Monsoonal Thing is One Weird Animal.
Doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek in the non-summer takes a bit of guts and an open mind on behalf of the intrepid trekker. No longer October’s postcard-ideal azure skies, however, the danger to glimpse the Himalayas at their most kaleidoscopic — and least traversed. The emerald hills, plunging waterfalls, and peaceful isolation of the rain shadow vicinity combine to create an intensely non-public experience to be able to retain to linger in your reminiscences. by way of bearing in thoughts the season, taking appropriate climate tools and a flexible timetable with you, no longer only will you tick off the hikers circuit, you’ll have developed an knowledge of how untamed via bodily forces and stunningly lovely the variety definitely is. It’s that type of journey — one that’ll be well served by patient, careful planning and a real taste for adventure.
