Overview of Annapurna Circuit Trekking
- Annapurna Circuit Trekking is Nepal’s most alluring detour. It is one of the classical trekking routes. Since the Nepal trekking industry’s inception, the route has been attracting trekkers from across the globe.
- Diversity in natural and cultural attractions makes it the most worthwhile trekking trail. Explore an entire Annapurna Circuit Trekking is one trip in 2023 and 2024. We are more than happy to provide excellent service.
- Moreover, the course offers wilderness adventure to artistic grandeur at its best. The trail has different names. Some call it the Annapurna Round Trek, and some call it the Thorong-La Pass Trek. Whichever name they use, the route is a jewel of the Nepal Trekking Industry.
Overview of Annapurna Circuit Trekking
We’ll begin the trekking at Dharapani. After the construction of the hilly road, the lengths of the Annapurna Circuit Trek have shortened. Therefore, the classical trailhead is no longer needed. The jeep can go up to Manang as well.
There is a high risk of altitude sickness if we start the Trek from Manang. We will walk through Chame and Pisang villages for two days to reach Manang Village. Similarly, The Gurung community mainly habituates the along the village.
Trekkers must stay two nights in the Manang as one day is stipulated for acclimatization.
On the seventh day of the Trek, trekkers will head to Yak Kharka. The place has pleasant grassy meadows. The landscape is fantastic.
Get great pictures. If you want to go to Tilicho Lake, this is the place from where the trekkers take a different route. Check out our Tilicho Lake trek package for more information about this trekking section.
The trekking continues to Thorong Phedi or High Camp before the crossing of Thorong La Pass. The trekking guide or leader will decide whether to stay at High Camp or Phedi according to your physical condition.
Thorong Phedi is 4500 meters from Sea level, but the high command is 4800 meters high. If your situation is perfect, we suggest you stay overnight at High Camp. It allows you to cross the Thorong La Pass more comfortably than traveling from Phedi.
Thorong La Pass (5416 Meters)
The ninth day of the Annapurna Circuit Trekking is the most daunting. Trekkers will be crossing the longest pass in the world. Early in the morning, the walking starts. From the top of the key, you can get the striking scenery of mountains as far as Mt. Manaslu.
The Annapurna Mountain range looks splendid from the top of the pass. However, in almost every trekking trail of the Annapurna region, one can see the content superbly. The joy of beholding the snowy mountains of the range from the top of Thorong La Pass is exemplary.
The trail to the top of the pass is through the narrow valleys from the High Camp. On the right side of the course, you can get the best view of Thorong Peak (6144 m) from sea level.
The hardships endured during the ascent will vanish. The cool breeze of fresh mountain air kisses us. A sense of achievement overpowers us. It is indeed the most iconic moment of this trekking.
Essential Information - Annapurna Circuit Trekking
Best Season for the Annapurna circuit trekking
Nepal experiences spring, summer/Monsoon, autumn, and winter seasons. Excessive rainfall during the monsoon season makes the trail muddy and slippery. Moreover, the view is also not clear.
Similarly, the winter season is frigid, and snowfall makes walking harder. The visibility is significantly less, and the Annapurna Circuit Trek is worst during these two seasons. Therefore, we recommend you avoid trekking.
For the best experiences, plan your trekking in the months of spring and autumn season. The clear sky, no rainfall, and no snowfall make it easier for the trekkers to traverse the trail. However, some people love challenges.
We can operate trips in Monsoon too. All you need to have is willpower. The Boundless Adventure Treks & Expeditions will handle planning and ground management.
Additional trekking trails
The Annapurna Circuit Trek route can be extended further by adding various destinations. Trekkers can choose to explore hidden villages like Nar and Phu. However, you will have to take particular restricted area permits.
Tilicho Lake is another iconic destination. You can trek to the lake from Manang and rejoin the circuit trek route at Yak Kharka. Relish the chance to be at the shores of the world’s highest-situated lake. You can choose to avoid the crossing of Thorong La Pass as well. Instead of the pass, cross the Meso Kanta La Pass. Trekkers reach the Jomsom.
You can head to Upper Mustang as well. Like Nar Phu Trekking, the Upper Mustang trip requires a special permit. The Upper Mustang Trekking starts from either Muktinath or Kagbeni. Contact Boundless Adventure now to explore the Upper Mustang. You must complete some formalities before heading to the forbidden kingdom of Nepal.
Please note: Soprohibited has prohibited destinations with single permits in Nepal.
Annapurna Anticlockwise Trekking
The classical route of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is from the Besisahar sector. However, some people also prefer to cross the Thorong La Pass from the Muktinath region. The biggest hurdle or challenge in doing anticlockwise trekking is altitude sickness. While trekking from Lamjung, trekkers get enough time for acclimatization.
From the Muktinath trailhead, trekkers might not get enough time to adjust to the altitude. Trekkers start the journey from Pokhara either by flight or by road. They reach the Muktinath area. The change in altitude is substantial. Pokhara’s altitude is 900 m, and Muktinath’s is about 3800 m from sea level.
Don’t forget to grasp as much memory as possible. On the other side of the pass is the sacred place for Hindus, the Muktinath Temple.
Muktinath Temple & Eternal Flame
The temple is of Lord Vishnu and has 108 holy taps and two bathing ponds. All your sins will be washed away by bathing in those taps and dipping into the ponds. The monastery presents next to the temple has an eternal flame. It is so fascinating to observe these heavenly creations. No wonder some people believe that gods and goddesses live in these places. It indeed feels like it.
Hinduism has gods and goddesses in different forms. People believe that god resides in every particle of this earth. Moreover, according to the Hindu Scriptures, Lord Vishnu resides in the form of fossils (Shaligram).
On the banks of the Kaligandaki River, tremamethysta plethora of these fossil remains. Many Indian Travelers gather these fossils back home as replicas of Lord Vishnu. Regardless of their religious belief, Trekkers can collect these sacred fossils from the surrounding of the Muktinath Temple.
The trekking scenery slightly changes from Muktinath to Tatopani (Naturally Hot spring). Instead, we took Viagra to Tatopani village via Jomsom and Marpha. Dip into the natural hot water springs and wash all the pain endured while walking so far.
Also, gear up for the uphill trekking to Ghorepani the next day. The scent of the rhododendron and magnolia trees motivates trekkers to climb to Ghorepani. Enticing sunrise view from Poon Hill the following day enthralls. Bask in the warmth of the first ray of sun coming out of the lofty Himalayas.
Bask because you have completed Nepal’s diverse and alluring trekking detour. The final day’s walking is mostly downhill and flats up to Nayapul via Birethanti.
The itinerary of Annapurna Circuit Trek is customizable. Therefore, contact our travel planners if you want to change your plans. Boundless Adventure is always open to creating the trekker’s choice type of trip.
What makes Annapurna Circuit Trekking interesting?
Nepal’s Annapurna Region is the home of wonders in the Annapurna Conservation Area. The region tops the chart for a mesmerizing holiday destination, the lofty mountains or the deepest valleys. The trail, which encompasses almost every part of the region except the Annapurna Base Camp, is always unique.
Crossing the longest passes to cleanse the spirit by visiting sacred monasteries and temples entices trekkers. Moreover, the journey from 1300 m to 5416 m in about two weeks of walking unravels the mythic enchantment of Mother Nature.
Witness three of the world’s top ten mountains and some iconic peaks. The mountains seen on the Annapurna Circuit Trekking trails are as follows:
- Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m)
- Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m)
- Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m)
- Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m.)
- Mt. Annapurna III (7,555m)
- Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525m)
- Mt. Annapurna South (7,219m)
- Mt. Nilgiri north (7,041m)
- Mt. Machhapuchhare (6,998m)
- Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m)
- Mt. Lamjung Himal (6,986m)
- Climbing Tilicho Peak (7134m)
Besides mountains and hills, the Annapurna Circuit Trekking also offers the sociological traditions of the Himalayas—similarly, cultures pillars of Nepalese culture. Yes, the number of trekking days is more extended.
Travel Insurance for Annapurna Circuit Trekking
Unforeseen incidents are bound to happen within two weeks of the journey. Trekking in the Annapurna Himalayas is unlike a leisurely walk in the park. Therefore, we anticipate incidents like AMS, floods, illness, avalanches, and landslides. To tackle these situations, you need to have Travel Insurance. Insurance is mandatory for any adventure activity in Nepal.
The policy of Insurance must include medical expenses and emergency evacuation by helicopter. The means of transportation are either by walking or by air. Trekkers must leave a copy of the Travel Insurance in the office of Boundless Adventure. In emergencies, the office will use the policy to make arrangements for rescue.
Accommodation
Almost every commercial trekking route in Nepal has teahouses or lodges. Trekkers need to share the room on twin sharing basis. However, in some places and during peak season, they may have to spend overnight in the dining hall. These lodges on the trail have basic amenities. The attached bathroom is also available in a few places only. Don’t expect extreme luxury lodges along the Trek trail.
Foods
Regarding the food menu items in the Annapurna Circuit Trek route, restaurants or tea houses are highly elaborated. You can get Western and local delicacies food every single day. The number of items on the menu is higher at low-altitude places. However, as you gain altitude, the food items on the menu start to get limited. While trekking, avoiding too many caffeinated food items and alcohol is wise. Ask for healthy foods. Follow the lead of the trekking guide.
Annapurna Circuit Trekking with local – Boundless Adventure specials
Boundless Adventure Treks & Expeditions believes in providing authentic experiences. Therefore, we deploy the local guide and porters. It helps in building authenticity and also contributes to society. Tourism is the source of income for the people around the Annapurna. As a part of our CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, this way of operating a trip helps build trust with the people.
We train our trip crew members during the off-season. They participate in workshops and teaching seminars on hospitality, language, and eco-friendly measures. Sustainable tourism is our goal.
The Around Annapurna Trekking is fascinating in the Annapurna conservation area. The detour endows a sense of refreshment. Get away from the daily drabness. Contact the travel planners of Boundless Adventure! State your requirements to us. We can talk about the Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary as per your needs.
How can I prepare myself physically before Annapurna circuit trekking?
We always suggest suggestions; you should have some trekking and hiking experience in your country even though you don’t have such high altitude mountaion.
Walking in high-altitude places demands more physical fitness. The most daunting days in this trekking are the 8th, 9th, and 11th. The trail is uphill and has to traverse at less oxygen level. Though the 11th day is at a steep low altitude trail makes it arduous.
Do some cardiovascular exercises before trekking. Prepare your body for 7 – 8 hours of continuous walking. Evening walks, cycling, light gym work, and good food habits will help you overcome the hurdles. Eat, drink, and sleep well. Get the whole-body check-up before embarking on the trekking journey. Consult your doctors.