Annapurna Circuit Trek: 16 Days Adventure Trek Holidays
Annapurna Circuit Trek is the best long-distance Trek in Nepal. It revolves around Mt. Annapurna, the tenth-highest mountain in the world. You will traverse within the Annapurna Conservation Area (western Himalayas) and touch some lower Mustang parts towards the journey's end.
The cultural diversity, adventure, landscapes, and experience that the Annapurna Circuit offers set it apart from all the trekking routes in the Himalayas. To make the Trek even more exciting, you can extend the trip to Tilicho Lake or the remote Nar Phu Valley.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is said to be the best circuit trek in the world. Trekkers enjoy a serene walk in nature on this Trek, which leads to a high mountain pass, Thorong La (5,416 m). They walk past picturesque villages, dense rhododendron forests, meadows, and beautiful river valleys.
The route further descends to Muktinath temple (3,800 m), a sacred pilgrimage site. Then it follows the Kali Gandaki gorge to Jomsom (2,743 m). Kali Gandaki Gorge is the deepest gorge in the world.
The Trek continues to Tatopani, where you hike to Ghorepani through the jungle. After enjoying a great sunrise view from Pon Hill, you trek down to Pokhara.
Between the treks, we rest in Manang village (3,519 m) and go on a side hike to explore Braga monastery and Parken Gompa or hike to Ice Lake (4,500 m).
The Annapurna circuit trek is a very immersive venture that combines adventure and culture.
Experience the thrill of pushing forward on a steep, rugged path and the tranquillity of unwinding and rejuvenating nature, which is the magical essence of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. This journey takes you far away from your conventional life.
The interactions with locals, the snow-capped mountain views, the simple but delicious meals, and all the stories our mountain guide shares will make the Annapurna circuit trek a lifetime voyage for you.
Annapurna Circuit Adventure is an adventure for travelers who dare challenge themselves.
Major attractions of Annapurna Circuit Trek
Explore the tenth-highest mountain and Annapurna Conservation Area.
The Annapurna Circuit Trail is in the Annapurna range area. Along the way, you will see the Annapurna Mountains peeking through hills and forests now and then.
Annapurna South and Annapurna IV will become your friends in the first few days. Gradually, other ranges will also unfold as the trail opens up.
The Annapurna circuit trek is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. It is a protected area. The trekking route is very rich in flora and fauna. You will walk past rhododendron, bamboo, oak, pine, fir, etc forests. There is a high chance of encountering animals and birds along the way.
Follow an adventurous trekking route.
The Annapurna circuit trail is adventurous, full of ups & downs via lush forests, narrow paths, meadows, and gorges.
You will cross thrilling suspension bridges, walk along rushing rivers, and encounter beautiful waterfalls. Many steep and sloppy sections dare you to push yourself. You will overcome many challenges while enjoying nature and its tranquillity.
Beautiful villages, warm hospitality & humble locals
The Annapurna Circuit Trail goes through many fine villages inhabited by different ethnic groups. You meet Brahmins, Newars, and Chhetris in the lower belt.
The upper trail includes people from the Magar, Gurung, and Thakali communities. These locals have a unique social ecosystem, norms, and beliefs that enchant your journey. Their simple mountain lifestyle, warm hospitality, and humble nature will leave a lasting impression on you. The Annapurna Circuit Trail is not just a trek but a cultural immersion that will open your eyes to a new world.
The locals are amiable and welcoming. The night stops are in these villages: Bhulbhule, Chamje, Dharapani, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, Muktinath, Tatopani, Ghorepani, and Hile. You get to enjoy the warm hospitality of the natives while spending nights in these villages.
Go on an exciting side hike during acclimatization in Manang village.
During the Annapurna circuit trek, we added an acclimatization day in Manang village. Acclimatization is resting and adjusting to the elevation. To do so, we went on a hike.
We have two options- the first one that trekkers usually do is a hike to Braga monastery. Or, you can do a strenuous hike to Ice Lake at 4,500 m.
Witness diverse landscapes and stunning mountain panorama.
The scenery and mountain views during the Annapurna circuit trek are phenomenal. There is not one day in the mountains without a beautiful landscape.
You also witness diverse landscapes, ranging from verdant hills and rushing rivers to trans-Himalayan landscapes, rocky cliffs, and gorges.
Along the trekking route, you will see Himalayan mountains like Annapurna (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Nilgiri (7,061 m), Tukuche (6,920 m), Pisang Peak (3,250 m), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m), Hiuchuli (6,441 m), Fishtail (6,993 m), Lamjung Himal (6,983 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), etc.
Walk through lush pastures and cross Thorong La pass.
When you approach Yak Kharka, the upper part of the trail has giant pastures. Yaks and other mules can be grazing or basking in the sun.
The trail follows a steep, rocky path and ascends to Thorong La, Nepal's highest mountain pass. Crossing the pass asks for the guidance of a professional trekker who can navigate through the slippery slopes.
Get blessings in Muktinath temple, a famous pilgrimage site.
At 3,800 meters, Muktinath temple is one of the significant pilgrimage sites in Nepal. It is also the usual resting point after crossing Thorong La. The site is essential to both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple dates back to the 7th century and is one of the 108 Siddhpeeth.
Walk along the deepest gorge in the world & pass by stone houses.
After a few hours of walking, you will leave Muktinath behind and pass by the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki.
Only a few people talk about it, though. It is an ancient trade route between Tibet, Nepal, and India. The trail then passes by narrow alleys and beautiful stone houses of Kagbeni on the way to Jomsom.
Enjoy hot springs in Tatopani.
Tatopani is known for its natural hot springs. We spend a night there while descending. Locals manage the hot springs, and we must pay a few extra bucks to enjoy them.
The natural hot springs will relieve our sore muscles and help us eliminate skin diseases. Therefore, remember to pack a swimsuit and carry extra cash with you.
Witness the gorgeous sunrise from Poon Hill.
In the later part of the ClassicAnnapurna Circuit trek, we hike to Poon Hill, located above Ghorepani village.
At 3,210 meters, Poon Hill offers excellent sunrise and snow-capped mountain views. It is a famous viewpoint in the lower Annapurna region, and often trekkers visit this place as a single short trek- the Poon Hill trek.
