Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek 20 Days
On the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek, explore the subtropical forests of the alpine zone of the western Himalayas. Embark on an immersive trekking venture that is both demanding and rewarding.
If you have heard about trekking in the Himalayas, you must have heard about the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek. It is one of the most famous and loved trekking routes in Nepal.
Opened to foreign travelers in 1977, the Classic Annapurna Circuit trail has welcomed trekkers worldwide. Starting from the woodlands, the trail ascends to the highest pass of the country, Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), in 9 to 10 days of walking.
The Classic Annapurna Annapurna Circuit is a challenging trek. The trail encompasses Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), the tenth-highest mountain in the world anticlockwise. To offer you an ultimate trekking experience in the Annapurna region, we have also combined gorgeous Ghorepani village (2,874 m) and Poon Hill (3,210 m) in our Classic Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary.
The Classic Annapurna Circuit Adventure is about diverse landscapes, adventure, and rich culture.
Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights
- The Classic Annapurna Circuit is the best teahouse trek in the Himalayas
- The Classic Annapurna Circuit is an Adventurous trekking route that goes through lush forests and pastures, crossing suspension bridges
- Spend nights in picturesque villages and get to see the daily lifestyle of locals
- Enjoy stunning mountain views and diverse landscapes while trekking
- Cross-challenging Thorong La pass
- Visit temples and monasteries along the way, including the holy Muktinath Temple.
- Walk along the Kali Gandaki Gorge and apple orchards
- Catch beautiful sunrise from Poon Hill
- Spend time in a natural hot spring in Tatopani
Why go on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Many reasons make the Annapurna Circuit trek a must-do trek in the Himalayas, which is why it's very famous among trekkers. Below are some reasons why Classic Annapurna Circuit trekking is one of our favorite treks.
Adventurous and rewarding teahouse trek in the Himalayas
Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the best teahouse treks in the Himalayas. A teahouse trek means simple accommodation yet heartwarming hospitality from the locals.
Every second on the trail is rewarding. Even though many trekkers hit the trail in the peak trekking season, you'll still be detached from all the chaos and enjoy the serene views.
Trek through beautiful villages and pass by many wonders of nature
The Classic Annapurna Circuit trail ascends through the foothills of verdant hills. It passes by remote villages like Chamje, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Kagnebi, Jomsom, Tatopani, and Ghorepani. There are also many other small settlement areas along the trekking route.
The trail is very adventurous, full of ascends and descends through forests, pastures, and gorges. You'll cross many suspension bridges and small streams, and likewise, you'll come across waterfalls and terraced fields.
Friendly locals and rich cultural heritage
The Classic Annapurna Circuit trekking route is resided by locals from different communities like Brahmin, Chhetri, Magar, Gurung, etc. The locals are amiable and welcoming. They'll always help you.
On the way, we will visit temples and stupas. Many places are also wrapped with colorful prayer flags. While staying overnight in the villages, we get a glimpse of the rich culture and practices of the locals.
Stunning mountain views and diverse sceneries
During the Classic Annapurna Circuit trek, one can see breathtaking views of Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Mt. Fishtail (6,993 m), Mt. Gangapurna (7,455 m), Mt. Tukuche (6,920 m), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m), and many others. Likewise, the trek offers diverse sceneries of verdant valleys and rushing rivers to dry, barren hills dominated by snowy mountains.
You Cross-challenging Thorong La pass.
Thorong La, also known as Thorung La, is a high mountain pass with an elevation of 5,416 meters. Located in the Damodar Himal, north of Mt. Annapurna, it connects Manang village in the east to the Muktinath temple in the Lower Mustang in the west.
The trail to the top of the pass is steep and rugged, requiring careful walking. Depending on the season, the trail may also be covered with snow. From the top of the pass, one can see jaw-dropping mountain scenery.
Get a blessing in Muktinath temple.
Muktinath temple is a pilgrimage site in Nepal. It is a significant temple for Hindus and Buddhists.
Hundreds of pilgrims visit this temple to worship every year. On the temple premises, locals sell saligrams and other precious stones.
Inside the temple, there are 108 sprouts. Taking a bath in these sprouts is believed to forgive all the sins by the god. Likewise, there are many small shrines around the main temple.
Walk along the Kali Gandaki Gorge and apple orchards.
Kali Gandaki Gorge is the deepest gorge in the world. It separates the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. This gorge was a trade route between Tibet and India for centuries.
Likewise, as the trail approaches Marpha and Kegbeni, we pass by lovely apple orchards. These apples are delicious. We may stop at the local factory to taste apple brandy and other apple-based products.
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.
Enjoy hot springs in Tatopani.
Tatopani is known for its natural hot springs. We spend a night there while descending. The hot springs are managed by locals, 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.
The Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek Route
The Classic Annapurna Circuit Journey begins at Bhulbhule and ascends through subtropical forests and terraced fields, followed by picturesque villages. You cross suspension bridges and waterfalls along the way. Manang village onwards, there are pastures and arid cliffs.
You will walk on a rough, steep uphill path, approach the Thorong La pass (5,416 m), and descend to Muktinath temple (3,800 m). This part of the trail sees glacial walk and ice flows. Further, walking along the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, you once again begin walking at a relatively lower altitude.
The trekking route has narrow alleyways and apple orchards to Kagbeni (2,804 m) and Jomsom (2,743 m). From Jomsom, the trail drops down to Ghorepani village (2,874 m) via Kalopani (2,480 m) and Tatopani (1,190 m). Further, the trail enters a forested path. The Classic Annapurna Circuit route's last part passes by lush rhododendrons and pine forests.
How difficult is the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek?
We receive this question frequently from trekkers. The Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is challenging and demands physical fitness and previous trekking experience. It is not for beginner trekkers.
The Classic Annapurna Circuit Hiking covers around 300 km, which involves walking along the Marsyangdi Valley to Thorong La Pass.
The Classic Annapurna Circuit trail has many hurdles, from steep terrain to high altitude and limited tourist infrastructure. Trekking in a remote area and walking on a rough forested path is difficult. And the trial only gets high and daunting. There is a lingering risk of altitude sickness, and the trekkers must be careful.
Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek Preparation
If you have decided to join the Classic Annapurna Circuit trek and are now looking to prepare your body for the journey, this may help.
First, once You Book the Classic Annapurna Circuit trek, one of our travel consultants will help you prepare. He/she will tell you everything about the journey and what physical activities you should do to prepare your body.
The daily average walk is 6 to 7 hours. So, you must ensure you can walk this much on rough terrain. Go on long walks before the beginning of the trek and hikes, too (if possible). You have to make the habit of walking for a long time.
Steady stamina is crucial for a trek like this. We suggest cardio activities such as swimming, cycling, jogging, and running to build stamina. You can also do cardio exercise.
Another important thing is getting your shoes ready for the trek. Do not carry brand-new shoes while trekking; they will only hurt you. Break in your shoes and make them comfortable.
