Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular trekking trails in the Annapurna region. This trek is rich in natural and cultural wonders. Close tour eyes and imagine you are watching the mesmerizing Himalayan panoramas of the gigantic Himalayas from the top of Thorong La pass. How would it feel?
Well, this trek is your reality. There is nothing that you have to imagine once you set off on the wonderful trekking trails. In Annapurna circuit, with open eyes, you'll see unbelievable sceneries so near and so real.
Annapurna Circuit trek passes through several villages in Annapurna. Walking through the amazing settlements, you'll see diverse ethnic groups and diverse culture. Also, you can witness the basic way of life in the remote parts of Annapurna.
The diverse terrain, vegetation, and wildlife are clearly visible while you trek on the Annapurna Circuit.
Come, relish the astonishing views of the enormous Himalayas including Annapurna, Manaslu, Macchapuchre, and several others. Trek with us to get an insight into unique traditions and cultures in the Annapurna circuit. Index Adventure is a local trekking agency in Nepal. We organize beautiful treks and tours in different parts of Nepal.
Can I trek the Annapurna Circuit in September?
The Annapurna Circuit trek goes high to an altitude of 5416 meters. At such a high altitude, the weather changes are frequent. Especially during off seasons (monsoon and winter), Annapurna circuit trek becomes difficult. This is due to the harsh weather and climatic conditions.
September, the first autumn month, is a peak season to trek in the Annapurna Circuit of Nepal. September is popular because of the stable weather conditions. Even at Thorung La pass, the weather will remain favorable to trek.
Also at lower altitude places, the temperature and weather conditions will remain good. September is not wet like a rainy season and is not as cold as winter. Being a transition month between Summer and Winter, it is a beautiful month.
With appropriate trekking gears to beat the weather, you can do Annapurna Circuit trek in September.
Pros of trekking Annapurna Circuit in September
- Great Visibility. In the Mustang regions and above, there will be very few possibilities of rainfall. Less rainfall means clear visibility. Clear visibility means mesmerizing scenic views.
- Since September is the beginning of Autumn, it is less crowded than other months in Autumn. So, you will beautiful trekking experiences in the quiet and peaceful trekking trails.
- Greenery Everywhere. September is a post-monsoon month. Due to monsoon rain, vegetation at lower altitudes on the trail become dense and green. If you are someone who is keen about plants, this is probably the best time to trek in the Annapurna Circuit.
Cons of trekking Annapurna Circuit in September
- Tricky weather in early September. The Annapurna Circuit weather in September quite unpredictable. In some years, the monsoon rain continues through September. The higher altitudes do not receive more rainfall. Yet, trekking at lower altitudes while the rain is frequent as in monsoon is difficult.
- Busy time begins. As September days move towards the edge of ending, the number of trekkers in Annapurna Circuit trail rises. So, the trail might be busy. This will apply for the teahouses and lodges as well.
- This is rare. But sometimes, landslides and avalanches in monsoon cause blockage of trekking trails. Gather enough information about these things before you go.
If you are planning to go on a trek to Annapurna Circuit in September, contact us. Index Adventure will help you arrange your trek permits, guide and porters, and every other essential to trek.
Weather at Annapurna Circuit during September
We classify the weather in Annapurna Circuit during September into two parts. They are the post-monsoon weather and stable weather. The post-monsoon weather applies for early September. Whereas, the stable weather happens during late September.
Post-Monsoon Weather at Annapurna Circuit in September
September begins as the monsoon season officially ends in Nepal. However, in consecutive past years, monsoon tends to continue during early September. So, the early half of September experiences post-monsoon weather.
In this time, the Annapurna region might receive few rainfalls during afternoons. The trekking trails in the lower region will remain wet. Also, the sky isn’t so clear always. Dark clouds can hover above you and it might rain.
The weather change isn’t as frequent as in monsoon. Also, rain isn’t so frequent. The trails will not be as slippery as in monsoon. However, you should be ready for the rain. Remember to carry some lightweight rain cover and rainproof gears. They will help if you are choosing to go in early September.
Stable Weather at Annapurna Circuit in September
As days transit towards the end of September, the weather in Annapurna Circuit becomes stable. Now begins the mostpopular time to trek in Annapurna Circuit.
The chances of rainfall and snowfalls are very low. The sky becomes clear. The visibility in the air improves. This enhances the best scenarios. The weather becomes more like perfect weather. The trails will be exciting. Mesmerizing views of the enthralling Himalayas, hills, and distant settlements will allure you.
The stable weather makes Annapurna trail the best one to do during September. However, always keep somewhere in your mind the fact that weather at high altitudes is uncertain. Even during Annapurna Circuit trek in best time of the year, you might encounter difficult weather sometimes.
The Temperature at Annapurna Circuit during September
During Annapurna Circuit trek, trekkers meet the zenith at Thorong La pass. At such a higher altitude ( 5416 meters ), the temperature is generally close to freezing temperature at any time of the year. While trekking in Annapurna Circuit in September, you will experience a temperature of – 4 to 5 degree Celsius at Thorong La pass.
However, at the lower altitudes, the daytime temperatures are favorable to trek. Nights are colder than the days. At Mustang, the temperature averages around 11-degree celsius. At altitudes below 2500 meters, temperature averages around 23 degree Celsius.
Accommodation and Food during Annapurna Circuit Trekking in September
Annapurna Circuit trek is a teahouse trek. You will find teahouses and lodges are various places on the trek for food and stays. September is a beautiful time. There are few trekkers who want to go on a camp trekking to the Annapurna Circuit in September.
So, you can have accommodation of your choice while you are trekking in the Annapurna Circuit. You can find basic as well as standard teahouses en route. The teahouses provide good facilities and services to their guests.
Most of the teahouses provide rooms on a twin sharing basis during peak trekking seasons. You can have choices of food on your three-time meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They will provide you services on laundry, charging electrical gadgets, extra blankets, hot water thermos, and many others. But for these extra services, you should pay an extra charge.
Since peak trekking time begins with September, it is wiser to book teahouses in advance. When you book teahouses earlier, there are possibilities of getting the rooms of your choice. If you are trekking with a guide or a porter, they will book the teahouses for you.
If you are planning to go on a trek to Annapurna Circuit in September, contact us. Index Adventure will help you arrange your trek permits, guide and porters, and every other essential to trek.
Do I need a guide for Annapurna Circuit Trekking in September?
September is a popular time for trekking in the Annapurna Circuit. Reaching Thorong La pass is tricky and tough. However, in September, it is not as difficult as in winter and summer. This is because of the good weather and temperature.
So, basically, we will meet some solo travelers trekking alone in the Annapurna Circuit in September. If you really enjoy solo treks, you can do a solo trek to Annapurna Circuit in September. If you have previous trekking experiences at high altitudes, this will add ease. Get a good map, bring all the essential gears when you are coming here.
However, if you are a beginner, we advise you to do go with a guide. It is always better to go with someone who takes care of you ensuring your safety.
Safety Tips for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking in September
Carry Warm and Rain Protection Gears
Warm clothing and gears are necessary while you are at higher altitudes. The temperatures at high altitudes are less in every month. Also, since there are possibilities of rainfall in September. So, it is good to bring warm as well as rain protection gears.
Drink Plenty of Water
Your body tends to dehydrate fast while you are at higher altitudes. So, make sure you will drink plenty of water to keep it rehydrated. Drink little at certain intervals. Over drinking at a time might make it difficult for you to walk.
Avoid Drinking Alcohol
Drinking alcohol is not recommended during your high altitude treks. This is valid for all the high altitude treks in Nepal like Everest base camp trek, Manaslu circuit trek, Kanchenjunga trekking, and several other treks. Alcohol dehydrates your body. Dehydrated body at higher altitude means an increased risk of altitude sickness.
Wear Good Hiking Boots
In early September, some parts of the trail might still be slippery and wet. So, it is good to wear good trekking boots with sturdy soles. Also, make sure that your boots are rainproof. A good hiking boot is a comfortable one. And according to many trekkers, one with ankle support is comfortable and easy to wear.
Be Strong Physically and Mentally
Even in the perfect time, there are no perfections in weather at the Himalayas. So, while trekking in Annapurna Circuit in September, you should be ready to encounter any challenges or obstacles en route. Create a strong mindset and increase your physical endurance also.
Book Tea Houses in Advance
From the mid of September begins the peak season to trek in Annapurna Circuit. Lots of tourists flood in Annapurna circuit trail for trekking in peak season. Due to a limited number of teahouses on the circuit trail, you should book teahouses earlier. This will allow comfortable accommodation earlier. If you are trekking with a guide and/or a porter, they will help you book the teahouses.
Packing Lists for Annapurna Circuit Trek in September
September is a popular time to trek in the Annapurna Circuit of Nepal. Trekking can be difficult even in a peak time if you do not bring essential trekking gears with you. Here is a list of trekking gears that you should bring during your trek. Have a look,
Clothing
- Thermal tops and bottoms
- Hiking pants windproof and waterproof
- Pair of T-shirts and shorts
- Warm down jacket
- Rain jacket
- Hiking poles
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- A sun hat
- Sturdy Hiking Shoes
- Teahouse shoes/slippers
Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo
- Toothbrush and paste
- Lipbalm
- Toilet roll
Medicines
- band-aids or blister plasters for bad blisters
- Water bottle with a filter and water purification tablets or liquid
- Medicines for cough, cold, and allergy, nausea, etc
- Antibacterial cream and insect repellent creams
- Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory gel
- Altitude medication like Diamox
Others
- Waterproof dry bag
- A sleeping bag
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bag liner
- Portable solar charger (they are really helpful)
- Camera, extra batteries, camera bag, tripod( only if you are a professional)
Final Say,
September, the transition month between rainy and autumn season is a popular time for trekking in the Annapurna circuit. Falling between two seasons, this month is like both the rainy and autumn season. The early half of September resembles more to monsoon. However, the stable weather in late September is more like autumn.
Trekking to Annapurna Circuit in September is a popular activity among trekkers from around the world. This is a beautiful time to enjoy the astonishing Himalayan panoramas. Also, the lush jungles, splashing rivers, wonderful terrains, and greenery are enchanting!
If you are planning to go on a trek to Annapurna Circuit in September, contact us. Index Adventure will help you arrange your trek permits, guide and porters, and every other essential to trek. Join us to make remarkable memories on the Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal.
