Annapurna Circuit and Base Camp Trekking Overview
Following a long itinerary of Annapurna Circuit and ABC, you will explore the two most famous trekking routes in the western Himalayas of Nepal.
Annapurna circuit and base camp, both destinations are hugely loved by trekkers worldwide for the hiking experience they offer. In three weeks, you will explore two major cities in Nepal: Kathmandu and Pokhara.
You will walk through fine mountain villages and lush forests of rhododendron, fir, pine, Bamboo, oak, etc. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature during the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp journey. Live a simple lifestyle and enjoy the heart warming hospitality of the locals. Have a digital and mental detox and encounter a range of flora and fauna.
You walk through verdant foothills, beautiful river valleys, green meadows, gorges, and moraines and meet with people from different ethnic groups in Nepal and share the Trail with fellow trekkers and occasional yaks and mules.
Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp trekking odyssey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani. You'll first hike to Annapurna circuit and later proceed toward the Annapurna base camp (4,130 m).
Annapurna is the tenth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m). You will walk to Chame village. Spend nights in beautiful villages like Chame (2,675 m), Pisang (3,100 m), Manang (3,440 m), and Yak Kharka (4,050 m) before reaching Thorong Phedi (4,450 m). The Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp expedition itinerary has an acclimatization day in Manang village.
We then gradually ascend to Thorong Phedi and continue the trek to Thorong La (5,416 m), Nepal's highest mountain pass. It's a long descent from the past to Muktinath (3,710 m). Further, we drive alongside the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Tatopani. A scenic drive will take us to Tatopani (1,190 m), and we'll begin the journey to Annapurna base camp.
In this part of the Trail, you will be exploring popular places like Ghorepani (2,860 m) and Poon Hill (3,210 m). The Trail drops to Tadapani (2,630 m) and goes to Kimrong Khola before ascending to Chomrong.
Trek through dense forests that lead to the Himalayas and continue the walk to ABC via Machhapuchhre Base Camp. You will then descend to Dovan (2,900 m) and Jhinu Danda (1,760 m). The trek ends at Nayapul, from where we drive to Pokhara. The next day, return to Kathmandu.
Annapurna Circuit and Base Camp Trip Highlights
- Trek to two very famous trekking routes in the Annapurna region in one trip- Thorong Lass and ABC
- Annapurna Circuit and Base Camp is a perfect itinerary for travelers looking to spend a long time in Nepal's mountains
- It is a very adventurous and challenging trek packed with diverse flora and fauna
- Explore the beautiful mountain villages and the lifestyle of the locals
- Trek through dense forests of rhododendron and pine, crossing multiple streams and hanging bridges
- The Trail goes through meadows, gorges, moraines, and narrow alleys
- Cross the Thorong La pass and get a blessing in the Muktinath temple
- Walk by lovely apple orchards and white-washed houses
- Reach the Annapurna Base Camp
- Enjoy natural hot springs in Tatopani and Jhinu Danda
- Witness surreal mountain landscapes throughout the trek
Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek Attractions
There are many attractions on the Annapurna circuit and base camp trek routes and some of them are highlighted below.
Spend nights in beautiful villages and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals.
During the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will spend nights in villages along the Trail. It is a teahouse trek, which the villagers operate.
The trek lets you interact with the locals closely and see their lifestyles. You will meet people from different communities, and each will surprise you with their culture and welcoming nature.
Adventurous Trail within the Annapurna Conservation Area
Annapurna Circuit including the Annapurna Base Camp trail, runs inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. Spread over 7629 sq. km, it is the largest conservation area in Nepal.
The rich biodiversity includes 105 mammals, 518 birds, 23 amphibians, 40 reptiles, and 1,226 species of flowering plants. You can expect encounters with birds and animals on the way. Likewise, you will come across a variety of vegetation and flowers.
Amazing acclimatization hikes
We have an acclimatization day in Manang village. The acclimatization hike takes you to an impressive icefall from the Annapurna mountain range.
You can also climb high above the village for a panoramic view of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. To make our rest day more memorable, we may visit the Gangapurna Glacier Lake.
Cross Thorong La pass and explore the sacred Muktinath Temple.
One of the major highlights of the Annapurna Circuit with the Annapurna Base Camp trek is Thorong La Pass, the highest mountain pass in Nepal.
Crossing this pass is challenging and requires professional support. As tough as climbing the top of the pass is, the landscape from the top is equally spectacular.
At 3,710 meters, Muktinath is a pilgrim site and sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is at the foot of Thorong La Pass. For Buddhists, the Muktinath temple is for Dakinis, the goddesses of Sky Dances.
Many fascinating legends and myths circulate on this historical site, and you will learn about them during your visit.
Travel alongside the world's deepest gorge and pass by apple orchards.
From Muktinath onwards, you will enter the Kali Gandaki Gorge. It is the deepest gorge in the world and used to be the trade route between Tibet and India. Now, the Trail is shared by trekkers and locals to traverse Lower Mustang.
Likewise, on the way to Muktinath, you'll travel through lovely apple and orange orchards. There are white-washed houses, narrow alleys, and stone paths. The landscapes comprise arid scenery with unique huge rocks.
Spend a night in Ghorepani village and hike to the Poon Hill viewpoint.
Ghorepani is a beautiful village of 2,860 m inhabited by Gurung and Magar. Rhododendron forests surround the town and offer a striking mountain panorama. Ghorepani is a famous village that all travelers love.
Likewise, Poon Hill is a known viewpoint in the lower Annapurna region. Usually, Ghorepani and Poon Hill offer a short trek to travelers bound by time and looking for a brief venture.
The sunrise from Poon Hill is just out of this world. On the far horizon, you see the orange and reddish sky with snow-capped mountains.
Reach the base of the tenth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Annapurna.
Annapurna base camp is at 4,130 meters, on the lap of Mount Annapurna, the tenth-highest mountain in the world. Unlike Everest base camp, you can spend the night at ABC.
A handful of lodges let travelers spend nights and have meals. Reaching this point is a huge achievement that will last a lifetime. The view from the base camp is fantastic, surrounded by snowy cliffs and glaciers.
Witness stunning views of the western Himalayan Mountains and diverse landscapes.
Because you will be covering two incredible trekking routes on this journey known for sensational mountain panoramas, you can only imagine how gorgeous the scenery will be.
You will witness breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Hiunchuli, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, Tharpu Chuli, and numerous others. Similarly, the diverse landscapes and many sunrises & sunsets will bless your eyes.