Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna circuit trek is the best long-distance trek in Nepal. This trek revolves around Mt. Annapurna, the tenth-highest mountain in the world. You will be traversing within the Annapurna Conservation Area (western Himalayas) & also touch some lower Mustang parts towards the end of the journey.
The cultural diversity, adventure, landscapes, and experience Annapurna circuit offers sets it apart from all the trekking routes in the Himalayas. To make the trek furthermore exciting, you can extend the trip to Tilicho Lake or remote Nar Phu valley.
We have the best Annapurna circuit trek itinerary that overlooks the recently constructed roads and joins the trail from Bhulbhule. The journey is not affected at all, and the trekkers get to enjoy a serene walk in nature. You will be walking past picturesque villages, dense rhododendron forests, meadows, and beautiful river valleys to a high mountain pass, Thorong La (5,416 m).
The route further drops down to Muktinath temple (3,800 m), a sacred pilgrimage site, and goes along the Kali Gandaki gorge to Jomsom (2,743 m). Kali Gandaki gorge is the deepest gorge in the world. On the way to Jomsom, the trail walks past lovely stone houses and narrow alleys of Kagbeni (2,804 m) as well as enchanting apple orchards.
And to make the ending grand, you end the Annapurna circuit trekking with an excellent flight from Jomson to Pokhara. In between the trek, we take a rest day in Manang village (3,519 m) and go on a side hike to explore Braga monastery & Parken Gompa or hike to Ice Lake (4,500 m). The Annapurna circuit trek is a very immersive venture that carries both adventure and cultural aspects.
Sometimes you will find yourself struggling to push forward on a steep, rugged path, whereas sometimes, you will find yourself at peace, unwinding and rejuvenating. This is the magical essence of the Annapurna circuit trail that 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 shared by our mountain guide will make Annapurna circuit trekking a lifetime voyage for you. Annapurna circuit trek is a true adventurous trek for travelers who dare to challenge themselves.
You can join us for the Annapurna circuit trekking 2023 and 2024 departure through our site. We have regular departures in the spring and autumn seasons. To trek in summer or winter, we kindly request you to get in touch with us.
Major attractions of Annapurna Circuit Trek
Explore the tenth-highest mountain in the world & the abundance of the Annapurna Conservation Area
The Annapurna circuit trail is in the Annapurna range area. Along the way, you will get to see the Annapurna mountains peeking through hills and forests now and then. Annapurna South and Annapurna IV will become your friend in the first few days. Gradually, other ranges also unfold themselves 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 are high chances of encounters with animals and birds along the way.
Follow an adventurous trekking route
The Annapurna circuit trail is very adventurous, full of ups & downs via lush forests, narrow trails, meadows, and gorges. You will cross thrilling suspension bridges, walk along rushing rivers, and come across beautiful waterfalls. Many steep and sloppy sections dare you to push yourself. You will overcome a lot of challenges while enjoying nature and its tranquility.
Beautiful villages, warm hospitality & humble locals
The trail goes through many fine villages resided by different ethnic groups. You get to meet Brahmins, Newars, and Chhetris in the lower belt. The upper trail has people of the Magar, Gurung, and Thakali communities. The unique social ecosystem, norms & beliefs of the locals enchant the journey. You get to learn a lot about them if not see their simple mountain lifestyle.
The locals are very friendly and welcoming. The night stops are in these villages Bhulbhule, Chamje, Dharapani, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, Muktinath, and Jomsom. 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
We have added an acclimatization day in Manang village during the Annapurna circuit trekking. Acclimatization is for rest as well as adjusting to the elevation. To do so, we go on a hike. We have two options- the first one that trekkers usually do is a hike to Braga monastery or Praken Gompa. Or, you can do a little tough hike to Ice Lake at 4,500 m.
Witness diverse landscapes and stunning mountain panorama throughout the trek
The sceneries and mountain views during the Annapurna circuit trek for 16 days are phenomenal. There will not be one day in the mountains without a beautiful landscape. And not only that, you get to witness diverse landscapes ranging from verdant hills and rushing rivers to trans-Himalayan landscapes, rocky hills & gorges.
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, are seen along the trekking route.
Walk through lush pastures and cross Thorong La pass
The upper part of the trail has huge pastures when you begin to approach Yak Kharka. You can see yaks and other mules grazing or basking in the sun. The trail then 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
Muktinath temple, at 3,800 meters, is one of the significant pilgrimage sites in Nepal. It is also the usual resting point after crossing Thorong La. The site holds importance for 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
Once you leave Muktinath behind, after a few hours of walking, you will pass by the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki. Not many 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.
