Annapurna Circuit Trek in July

Annapurna circuit trek is one of the most diverse and visually appealing treks in Nepal and the entire world. This off-the-beaten trek to the Annapurna region is 12 days to 18 days long. Typically the Annapurna circuit trek begins from Besi Sahar and traverses around the terrific Annapurna region through lush green forests, mountains, high-altitude passes, small villages, landscapes, etc. It is considered to be moderately difficult although it is long and tiring even beginners with little physical training and few short hikes can complete the Annapurna circuit trek. The highest landmark of the trek is the Thorang La Pass (5416 m / 17769.03 ft). 

The Annapurna circuit trek passes through villages like Pisang, Manang, Marpha, Chame, Yak Kharkha, Thorang Phedi, etc., that reflect typical Nepali lifestyle and cultural and traditional practices of different ethnic groups like Sherpa, Gurung, Thakali, and Manangis. Marshyangdi River, Kali Gandaki River, Trishuli River, Muktinath temple, Barge monastery ( the largest monastery in the Manang), Thorang La pass, beautiful Yak pastures, numerous Buddhist shrines, etc are some of the most sought-after attractions of the Anapurna circuit trek.

The month of July falls in the Summer/ Monsoon season in Nepal, therefore continuous heavy downpours. However, some higher altitudinal parts of the Annapurna circuit trek are protected from heavy continuous rainfall. The slopy areas get more precipitation. It doesn’t mean that the trek is shielded from rain completely expect rainfall almost every other day during July. Hence, if you don't mind the rain only then the Annapurna Circuit trek in July is your cup of tea.  

WEATHER OF ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK IN JULY

Temperature wise, July is one of the best times all of the year for the Annapurna circuit trek as it is neither scorching hot nor freezing cold. On average the maximum temperature in the Annapurna Circuit trek is 18 degrees Celsius / 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit and the minimum temperature is around 3 degrees Celsius / 37.4 degrees Fahrenheit at the higher altitude. While on the lower altitude, the average maximum and minimum temperature is 21 degrees Celsius / 69.8 degrees Fahrenheit and 9 degrees Celsius / 48.2 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. 

Typical days of July throughout the trek are characterized by mildly warm days and cool nights. Due to rainfall, the sky tends to get cloudy which might affect the panoramic views. After rainfall, the vegetation and forests around look greener and merrier and the water level in river and streams increase. During the morning period, the sky is typically clear and has little to no clouds, but as the day progresses, by the evening it gets gloomy and starts pouring.

Photo: Captivating panorama of the Annapurna Circuit Trek amidst the July monsoon.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION DURING JULY

Unlike during the peak season months getting a room in teahouses in July throughout the Annapurna circuit trek is quite easy as there is more supply than demand which also means better food. Now let's talk about the cost of food and accommodation. Typical breakfast on the trail comprises eggs, tea, roti (pancakes), coffee, etc. On average, it is covered by $6 to $10. The lunch on the Annapurna Circuit trek is noodles, dumplings, thukpa, chowmein, etc.  An estimated $5 to $10 is more than enough for lunch per day. For dinner, most of the teahouses serve Rice, lentils, tomato pickle, spinach, goat meat, chicken meat, etc. While on lower altitude the typical Nepali dinner costs $5 but on higher altitudes it costs from $8 to $10. You can either carry your own water bottle and refill it or buy bottled water that costs around $1 to $5.

A typical accommodation in the Annapurna circuit trek is a teahouse. Rooms in these teahouses have twin beds, warm blankets, pillows, and a shared bathroom. The cost per night for these rooms is approximately $5 to $8. Some of the tea houses in the Annapurna circuit provide free electricity services, hot water, and Wi-Fi services while some take $2 to $3 extra so do not forget to ask the owners about it beforehand.

NOTE: the amount you pay for food and accommodation varies with the luxuries you expect. These are the price rate of teahouses not the hotels of city areas like Pokhara and Kathmandu.

PROS AND CONS OF TREKKING IN THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK IN JULY

PROS:

1. The trails of the trek are less crowded.

2. Getting rooms in the teahouses throughout the Annapurna Circut trek is easy.

3. Clear, bright skies, greener forests, and blooming flowers after the rainfall.

4. Heavy discounts in the teahouses as there is not a heavy flow of trekkers i.e. Almost half the price of accommodation and food so, you save some money.

5. Breathtaking sunrise view in the morning when the sky is clear.

6. The most photogenic sceneries around the year ( wildlife, scenic photographers, here’s for you guys)

CONS:

1. Except for the rain shadow area, there is continuous rainfall which makes it hard to trek.

2. There are gloomy clouds that obstruct the panoramic views.

3. As the environment is damp you will be troubled by mosquitoes.

4. High possibility of the trail being blocked due to a landslide hampers trekking through the Annapurna circuit.

5. Trails are muddy and slippery due to heavy rainfall.

6. Possibilities of flood and landslide.

7. In the trail through forests and grassy lands, there are leeches around.

8. As every day the weather is not good enough for long treks the duration of the trek increases compared to the non rainy seasons.

Photo: Cloud-filled skies on the Annapurna Circuit trek in July.

PERMITS REQUIRED FOR ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK

Trekking through the Annapurna Circuit trek needs you to trek through the Anapurna Conservation Area and roaming around here is strictly prohibited without permission (permit). Permits required for the Annapurna Circuit trek in July are as follows:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit - It costs $30 (Nepali 3000 Rs ) and for the SAARC nation’s citizens it costs $10 (Nepali 1000 Rs)

• Trekkers Information Management System card ( TIMS card )- It costs $10 / 1000 NRs and is for the SAARC nation’s citizens $3 / 300 NRs.

WHAT TO PACK FOR ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK IN JULY? (CLOTHES AND GEARS)

 According to the weather and condition of the trials you need to get your backpacks ready. Here are some of the necessities you gotta have:

• Waterproof jackets

• Waterproof trekking boots

• Gloves

• Sunblock

• Light jackets

• Hats

• Trekking stick

• Navigation tool/map

• First aid box (do not forget medicines that prevent altitude sickness)

• Water bottle

• Power banks

• Lose long sleeve t-shirt

• Energy giving snacks

• Solar chargers

• All of the travel documents required

• Disinfectant

Photo: A lush green trekking trail on the Annapurna Circuit in July.

HIGHLIGHTS OF TREKKING DURING JULY

1. Pass through the terrific Thorang la pass 5416 m / 17769 ft.

2. Get to experience the natural hot spring (tato pani) at Jhinu Danda.

3. Opportunity to visit the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Ganadaki Gorge 

4. Stunning view of Mt. Dhaulagiri-8,167 m (26794.62 ft),  Mt. Annapurna I- 8,091 m (26545.28 ft), Nilgiri Himal -7,040 m (23097.11 ft), Mt.Annapurna South-7,219 m (23684.38 ft),  Mt.Annapurna II-7,937 m (26040.03 ft),  Mt.Annapurna III-7,555 m (24786.75 ft), Mt. Annapurna IV-7,525 m (24688.32 ft), Hiunchuli Himal -6,441 m (21131.89 ft), Mt. Machhapuchhare-6,998 m (22959.32 ft), Tukuche peak-6,920 m (22703.41 ft), Lamjung Himal-6,586 m(21607.61 ft).

5. Observing the exotic flora and fauna of the Annapurna Conservation area.

6. Breathtaking sunrise and sunset views from the top of Poon Hill.

7. Trekking through small Nepali villages observing traditions, cultures, and lifestyles of the local ethnic groups, namely Sherpa, Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Brahmin, etc.

8. Visit the Marshhyangdi and the Kali Ganadaki valley

9. Explore the Muktinath ( one of the most valued pilgrimage sites for Buddhists as well as Hindus).

10. Trek through the apple capital of Nepal, which is Marpha village, which is stunningly lined with stones.

11. Walking on the trail that is decorated with lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and terrific landscapes.

Also Read:

Annapurna circuit trek in April

SUGGESTIONS TO MAKE YOUR TREK IN JULY EASIER

1. As the Annapurna circuit trek is long and goes up to very high altitude make sure to acclimatize enough to avoid mountain/altitude sickness.

2. While on the trail to protect yourself from leeches carry some salt with you. If you find leechees sucking on you simply, pull it off from your skin and put a pinch of salt on the leech.

3. Find a genuine travel insurer and get yourself travel insurance ( make sure they have helicopter evacuation in case of emergencies.

4. For beginners aiming for the Annapurna Circuit trek go for a few short hikes to prepare yourself physically.

5. Do your research before hiring guides and porters to make sure they are not scammers. It is better to take help from travel companies to hire guides and porters.

6. Annapurna circuit is a gem of Nepal therefore do follow the principles of responsible trekking. Do not damage anything,  or pollute nature, and be civilized throughout.

7. Always keep track of the weather to avoid heavy rainfall.

8. Do not trek when it is pouring heavily it can make you seriously ill.

9. Eat warm food and stay hydrated to have yourself immune from the possibility of catching a common cold.

10. Last but not least respect remote Nepal’s lifestyle and the beliefs of local people.