Tour overview
One of the most famous trekking routes in the world is the Annapurna Circuit Trek, which continues to draw thousands of trekkers each year even though portions of it are now paved. It is the third most popular trek in Nepal in terms of numbers. Everything you need to know about hiking the Annapurna Circuit Trail is included in this blog post, including the cost, map, recommended season, daily altitude, and more.
One of the most well-liked trekking routes in the entire globe is the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It is known as the Classic Himalayan Trek and offers stunning vistas of mountains including the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung, Manaslu, and Tukuche. High mountains, various climatic regions, frozen lakes, prehistoric caverns, centuries-old monasteries, and some distinctive and lovely local traditions of the Nepali people will all be visible to you.
You can create lifelong memories of the Himalayan highlands coated in stunning white snowflakes. Thorung La Pass, which is located at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), is the highest point of this trek’s Annapurna Circuit. Because of the varied topography and breathtaking natural environment along its trail, it is one of the most famous and amazing trekking routes in the Annapurna region. Additionally, the Annapurna Circuit Trek brings you to three distinct Nepalese provinces, Manang, Jomsom, and Muktinath, providing you with a taste of the distinctive and varied culture and nature of Nepal.
Additionally, this Annapurna circuit trek path crosses through a number of Nepalese towns, providing you with a peek of some of the distinctive and diverse cultures of moral groups like the Gurungs, Magars, Tamang, Thakali, and many others. Additionally, this trekking area is home to some stunning fauna due to the topographical changes. A 16-day moderate trek in the Annapurna region, our Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is available if you’re seeking for something less challenging than the Annapurna Circuit.
A trek on the Annapurna Circuit is called the Annapurna Round Trek. Just like that. But where is the Annapurna Circuit located? Your first thought likely comes to mind when you think about Nepal and the Himalayas: the trip to Everest Base Camp. Of course, the Himalayas are enormous, and the Khumbu region on the other side of Nepal has mountains that are almost as tall as those in the Everest region. The Annapurnas are close to Pokhara, which is northwest of Kathmandu by around 6 hours. The Annapurna Massif can be reached through the little town known as the City of Lakes.
The Hindu goddess of food and nourishment Annapurna, who is rumored to call the Annapurna Mountains home, is the inspiration for the name of this peak. Sanskrit is the source language for the name Annapurna. Its translation as “everlasting nourishment” comes from the words purna (“full”) and anna (“meal”). The agricultural region, which is situated at a lower height, receives water from several streams that flow down from the Annapurna Massif’s slopes.
The Annapurna Circuit’s mountains
Large peaks on the Annapurna Circuit are primarily supplied by the Annapurna Massif. One peak over 8000 meters, thirteen peaks over 7000 meters, and sixteen more peaks over 6000 meters can be found in this massif. To put things in perspective: The height of Mount Kilimanjaro is 5,896 meters.
Itinerary
Arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuwan International Airport You almost smile as you take in the views of the snow-covered mountain peaks sprawled below, which sets off a series of unforgettable events.
After a pretty leisurely breakfast, we scheduled a private minibus to take us from Kathmandu to Besisahar where we arrived at around 4 p.m. It is possible to travel by local bus, but it would likely require an early start and take the entire day (you might be able to travel by public bus up to Bhulbule; after that, jeeps are the only option). Additionally, I'm not sure if it would be simple to get a jeep departing from Bhulbule—Besisahar appeared to be the primary jeep terminus.
The route is not very good after Bhulbule (and even then, we were only moving at an average speed of 8 km per hour by jeep). I also wonder if taking a jeep from Besisahar to Tal will be simple considering that most jeeps departing Besisahar will likely look for passengers who are taking the entire trip to Chame first (and therefore paying more).
The trek through the deep, forested canyon, adorned by breathtaking waterfalls, continues today. You'll be exploring the Manang region of the mountain range, and a large portion of the trail will be climbing all day.
To reach Timang, the point where the vast Marsyangdi Gorge ends, begin a difficult ascent. From there, the trail descends gently as the vegetation changes from dense pine woods to drier hillsides. The largest settlement after Besisahar is Manang's district headquarters in Chame.
Today's trek will take you into a deep gorge and past Paungi Danda's enormous, sweeping slope, providing plenty of opportunities to take in some spectacular vistas. The majority of today's hike is leisurely, with a few short sections of path that climb gradually.
After breakfast, we make our way to upper Pisang, where we can see a lovely monastery and get a great view of the Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, and other mountains. Following this, we continue our hike through a pipe forest and ascend steeply for almost an hour till we reach Ghyaru. From there, it is a level walk to Nagwal.
Your day begins with a level, hour-long walk through a pine forest and a pasture field that brings you to Braga, where you meet the road once more and continue on it all the way to Manang, where you may see Tibetan-style homes, monasteries, and other sights along the way. You could see the most beautiful mountain vista from here.
Today should be used to rest and allow your body acclimate. Visiting the "Hundred Rupee Lama" at the cave gompa above Manang, taking a quick climb to Milarepa's cave over the river from Braga, attending the HRA discussion, or taking a tour of one of Manang's several bakeries are all worthwhile explorations if you're feeling up to it.
Start your day with a one and a half hour hike uphill while admiring the mountains, particularly Mt. Tilicho, which can be viewed very close up. There is also a good chance of seeing many blue sheep. We cross the river once more and move in the direction of Yak Kharka. There was also a lovely mountain vista from here.
You have a short, two- to three-hour hike today to the Thorung Phedi lodge, where you will eat lunch and spend the night. Get a good night's sleep today so you can wake up early tomorrow for the major pass day.
This day Trek start early in the morning (5:00 Am).
To reach the top of the Thorung-La (5416) at sunrise today, you must set out early on the trail. where you could see some of Mustang as well as the other peaks. With a steep, rugged trail leading down to Muktinath, the descent is nearly as difficult as the ascent to the top of the hill. Muktinath is a significant Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage destination, revered for its harmonious trinity of earth, fire, and water.
The Mustang District's headquarters are in Jomsom. You have a different route to Jomsom this morning after breakfast that goes through Jhong Village, which is a part of the Mustang region. Through Jhong, it takes about 5 hours to go to Kagbeni Village. The hike continues to Jomsom after lunch in Kagbeni Village. It's a good idea to keep moving along the trail because the Kali Gandaki valley can become very windy in the late afternoon.
Early in the morning, we fly from Jomsom, home of the majestic snow-capped peak, to Pokhara. We cannot currently guarantee your flight because it relies on the weather.
We take a taxi early in the morning to the tourist bus stop, where we board a luxurious tour bus bound for Kathmandu. The bus stops every 30 minutes for breakfast and lunch. You can also order a private car to take you back to Kathmandu or a fly there.
Take the rest day where you can enjoy by doing shopping and other stuff in local market of Kathmandu valley.
The final day in Nepal, the land of the Himalayan beauties, our crew will transfer you to the airport for your journey back home or to the destination of your choice with beautiful memories.
Galina
Annapurna Circuit Trekking is really well-organized. Every day on the route was filled with wonderful views of nature. You can also observe the life of local people in the mountains. The living and food conditions in lodges were comfortable. I had great pleasure going all the way with an excellent guide and porter.