Annapurna circuit trek is one of the epic and popular circuit treks in Nepal for trekking enthusiasts. The adventurous circuit trek is also known as the “Round Annapurna trek” because we hike about 160 to 320 Km around the grand Annapurna region. For most trekkers, the Annapurna circuit trek becomes the controversial hiking route as they can feel the actual trekking experience in Nepal. The road trial of the Annapurna trek has a perfect geographical division, which takes the heart of the trekkers. We walk towards the Northside of the Annapurna region to explore the beauty of Mother Nature and end our trek in the southern area.
The journey on the beautiful Annapurna circuit trek starts from the typical mid-hill while exploring the virtual scenery of Nepal until we reach the Thorung La pass. The Thorung La pass is the highest and most challenging point on the Annapurna region, which lies at an altitude of 5,416 meters. As we move forward on the trail, we cross the two thrilling rivers Marshyangdi and the great Kali Gandaki gorge, which is said to be the deepest gorge in the world.
Besides that, trekkers will pass through the paddy field, huge waterfall, and the villages of typical Nepali Gurung people who have been living in the mountains through the ages. You also get an opportunity to interact with these people to know about their unique culture and lifestyle in the mountains. It can also be beneficial for your research if you are doing research on the typical Nepali people living in the mountains.
Annapurna circuit trek gives an exciting, adventurous moment while encountering the sub-tropical forest filled with rhododendron and a fascinating landscape of lust nature. You also get the opportunity to see a fantastic view of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Manaslu (8,156m), Machhepuchhre (6,993m), Gangapurna (7,455m), and Tilicho peak (7,134m) which looks just breathtaking for your eyes.
Annapurna circuit trek also offers another famous place, “Muktinath,” which is well known for its Hindu temple as well as for Buddhists. The Muktinath temple attracts lots of pilgrims each year, and which is said that one time visit to Muktinath can clear all negative aura from people. Apart from that, the trail also passes through the small village of Marpha, which is famous for Nepali Apple production. You can even try the local alcohol, which is extracted from the Apple juice and tastes so good, which you have never tried anywhere around the world.
The whole circuit trek takes about 10 to 15 days to complete with a side trip along with rest days. The time duration also depends on the trekker’s speed, but trust me, your trek in the Annapurna region will be worth it when you fully complete your journey.
Annapurna circuit trek inflow lots of trekkers each year, so the number of tea houses and lodges are also flourishing in the Annapurna region. Trekkers can take a break in a cozy and clean tea house while enjoying hygienic food. If you are a pie lover, then a delicious apple pie will satisfy your appetite which can be the best apple pie you have ever tasted.
Annapurna Circuit Trek can be sometimes moderate and strenuous, which depends on the landscape. So, it is better to take some trekking experience with you, which could be beneficial during your whole journey. It’s common to have altitude sickness because the Annapurna circuit trek will pass through the highest mountains. So, take some altitude sickness medicine to make your trek the most amazing trek of your entire life.
Some travelers or trekkers make the common mistake of bringing unnecessary things with them during the journey. Annapurna circuit trek is a quite long journey in the mountains, so bring only the necessary light things to make the trek easier and more comfortable. Some of the items you should bring while taking a trip to the Annapurna circuit trek in Nepal are:
The clothes will depend on people, if you have a habit of changing clothes regularly then bring extra clothes but not too much that you can’t carry in your backpack.
Autumn (September, October, November, and December) and spring (February to May) are the most favorable seasons for trekking. The weather is pleasant and calm, which offers a fantastic crystal clear view of the mountains. The trek cannot be done during the monsoon season because the trail remains muddy and slippery, along with lots of sucking leeches.
Drive Pokhara to Besisahar 790m. Drive from Pokhara to Besisahar takes about 6-7 hours by local bus or by private coach because there isn't a tourist bus. In the evening you could have a walk around Besisahar. Besisahar is the center of the Lamjung district.
Besisahar to Bahundanda (1310m). Annapurna Circuit Trek starts from Besishahar, the trail makes ascend to Khudi Village at 790m, then reaches the first Gurung village as we continue from Khudi the trail offers fine views of Himalchuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli). The trekking trail continues ascends to Bhulbhule at 825m. It goes through Ngadi, Lampata at 1135m and Bahundanda at 1310m.
Bahundanda to Chamje (1400m). Today, the trail drops sharply to Syange at 1070m from Bahundanda crossing the Marsyangdi River on a suspension bridge. We then follow the river to the stone village of Jagat before climbing through the forest to Chamje at 1400m. Overnight at Guest House.
The day begins with the rocky trail following the Marsyangdi Rivers progressively uphill to Taal at 1675m, the first village in the Manang district. We make trail poetry crossing an extensive, flat valley. The trail ascends a stone staircase to 1860m till another stairway. The journey continues making it up and down to Dharapani at 1890m. There we find a stone entrance chorten typical of the Tibetan prejudiced villages from here northwards. We then visit the Bagarchhap at 2160m which offers the typical flat covered stone houses of local Tibetans design although the village is still in the conversion Zone before the dry highlands. Overnight at Guest House.
Chame to Pisang (3300m). The day starts through a deep forest in a steep and narrow valley and crosses a river on a long bridge at 2910m. We then cross another bridge at 3040m, and from there the view of the towering Paungda Danda rock face really begins to appear. From there the trail joins to climb Pisang, 3200m. Overnight at Guest House.
Chame to Pisang (3300m). The day starts through a deep forest in a steep and narrow valley, and crosses a river on a long bridge at 2910m. We then cross another bridge at 3040m, and from there the view of the towering Paungda Danda rock face really begins to appear. From there the trail joins to climb Pisang, 3200m. Overnight at Guest House.
Today we continue through the upper part of the Manang district, the full effect of the monsoon by the Annapurna Range. People of this region, herd yaks & raise crops for part of the year in addition, they also continue to enjoy special trading rights gained way back in 1784. Leaving Pisang, we have alternate trails north and south of the Marsyangdi River which meets up again at Mungji. The southern route by Hongde, with its airstrip, at 3325m involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru, though there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. From Mungji, the trail continues past the picturesque but partially hidden village of Bryanga at 3475m to nearby Manang at 3500m. Overnight at Guest House.
Today we spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. The whole day we spend by doing some fine day walks and overviewing the wonderful views around the village & the day time is best to gain altitude. At the end of the day, we returned back to our accommodation & have a night's rest. Overnight at Guest House.
Manang to Ledar (4250m). Today we leave Manang, & the trail makes an ascent of nearly 2000m to the Thorung La pass. We make ascend progressively through Tenki, leaving the Marsyangdi Valley. Continuing along the Jarsang Khola Valley, we reach Ledar at 4250m. Overnight at Guest House. Day 10: Ledar to Phedi or High camp (4600m). The trail descends to cross the river at 4310m we then ascend up to Phedi at 4420m. At High Camp on an elevation of 4600m, we can recently find some good Guesthouses built. Your overnight stay will be there. Overnight at Guest House.
Phedi or High Camp to Muktinath (3710m). The journey from Phedi, the foot of the hill or at the foot to the 5416m Thorung La pass, starts the day. We then make the climb steeply which is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may occur due to the altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problems to cross the pass if it is covered by snow. About four hours to climb up to the pass marked by the chortens prayer flags. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent view from the top. Overnight at Guest House.
The Trek ends here. Overnight at Guest House.
(about 20 minutes, but scenic flight). Overnight at the hotel.
Add a review