Annapurna Circuit Trek
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.
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 enjoy a serene walk in nature. You will walk past picturesque villages, dense rhododendron forests, meadows, and beautiful river valleys to a high mountain pass, Thorong La (5,416 m).
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.
On the way to Jomsom, the trail walks past the lovely stone houses and narrow alleys of Kagbeni (2,804 m) and enchanting apple orchards.
To make the ending grand, you end the Annapurna circuit trek with an excellent flight from Jomsom 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.
Sometimes, you struggle to push forward on a steep, rugged path. In contrast, you will find yourself at peace, unwinding and rejuvenating at other times. This is the magical essence of the Annapurna circuit trail, which 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 Advenrue is an adventure for travelers who dare challenge themselves.
Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek
- A particular Annapurna circuit trek itinerary that overlooks the recent road construction and follows a serene trail to Thorong La pass
- Trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area, rich in biodiversity
- Meet with people from different ethnic groups, including Gurung, Magar & Thakali.
- Adventurous trail and overnight stay in beautiful villages.
- Witness diverse landscapes and stunning mountain panorama throughout the trek.
- Admire lovely waterfalls, rushing rivers, and fluttering prayer flags along the route.
- Explore the Lake and monasteries during acclimatization in Manang village.
- Walk through lush pastures and cross Thorong La pass.
- Get blessings in Muktinath temple, a famous pilgrimage site.
- Take a thrilling flight, enjoying aerial views of the snow-clustered mountains from Jomsom to Pokhara.
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 tranquility.
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. The locals' unique social ecosystem, norms, and beliefs enchant the journey. Their simple mountain lifestyle reveals a lot about them.
The locals are amiable 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 resting and 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, you can do a strenuous hike to Ice Lake at 4,500 m.
Witness diverse landscapes and stunning mountain panorama.
The sceneries and mountain views during the Annapurna circuit trek are phenomenal. There will not be 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 seen 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.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is challenging because it involves crossing a high mountain pass. The Thorong La pass is one of the main highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Adventure.
Standing at 5,416 meters, the Thorong La is the highest trekking pass in Nepal and is equally arduous. The route to the top of the pass is not technically demanding but requires professional guidance & support.
Likewise, you will spend a long time in the mountains, almost 11 days. Even though the accommodation and meal facilities are decent on the Annapurna circuit trek route.
You have to adjust to a simple lifestyle that is drastically different from what people in cities are used to.
The daily long walk on mountainous terrain, never-ending staircases, and frequently trodden sections require fit bodies.
You must have sound health, body, and mind to enjoy the Annapurna circuit trekking regardless of all the hurdles. As the trek progresses, the region becomes increasingly remote, limiting the available services.
Altitude sickness
The elevation rise drops the oxygen level and complicates the trek. You will get exposed to altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness. While trekking, we take all the measures and have an ample acclimatization period.
In odd cases, some trekkers still get symptoms of altitude sickness. In such a situation, the mountain guide will give you first aid and take other necessary actions.
You might wonder how safe it is to trek to the Annapurna Circuit. Well, the answer is quite simple and obvious; you can join the trek without any worries.
All you have to do is be aware of the underlying risks and avoid any activity that may trigger them. Our expert team will take care of you in the mountains.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Preparation
Preparing for the Annapurna circuit trek should involve building your walking habit, stamina, core strength, and endurance. You can achieve all these things by doing cardio, weight training, and regular long walking sessions (if possible, with a backpack up to 5 kg).
Do activities such as cycling, hiking, swimming, and jogging. Similarly, you can train in the gym and follow a routine to help you get ready for the trek. Remember to visit your doctor and pack trekking gear following our packing list.
