Annapurna Circuit Trek Attraction
Monasteries in Manang
The monasteries in Manang are a vital attraction of the Annapurna Circuit trek. You’ll have a day to visit the areas, and during the day, you can explore the region’s culturally and historically significant monasteries. Manang has several vital monasteries that visitors can see.
On your acclimatization day, you’ll first hike to the Bojo Gompa, a historical gompa of Manang. The Gompa is famous for its historic site and provides a 360-degree view of the Manang district and the glacial lake of Gangapurna. Another major monastery in Manang is Braga Gompa, which is 45 minutes from Manang village. The Braga Monastery is the oldest in Braga village. The monastery’s major attractions are its artifacts and views of Mount Annapurna and Gangapurna.
Kundi Gumba, Thorte Chegi Lemba Gumba, Pisang Urgen Chhyoling Gumba, Thalilama Gumba, Orgen Thekchok Lingi Gumba, Manang Gumba, Tare Gumba, Tasi Lakang Gumba, Mocho Boko Gumba, and Manme gumba are the other historical charms of the Manang valley, adding attraction to the Annapurna circuit trek.
Local Culture
The foremost attraction of the Annapurna Circuit trek is the local culture. The Trek passes through different valleys with their own unique cultures and histories. The Annapurna Circuit takes you through the diverse culture of the region.
As you begin your journey from Besisahar, you’ll experience the culture and hospitality of the Brahmin and Chetteri groups until you reach Manang. As you get to Manang, you’ll be pleased to learn about and experience the Gurung culture, traditions, and warm hospitality. As you travel from Manang to Mustang, you’ll encounter Gurung, and upon reaching Mustang, you’ll observe Thakali culture. On descending from Muktinath, you’ll experience the Chettri and Brahmin cultures again.
On the Annapurna Circuit, you can experience the region’s diverse cultures, showcasing Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. Cultural immersion throughout the Trek adds to the allure of trekking in the Annapurna Circuit.
GangaPurna Lake
Gangapurna Lake is another noteworthy attraction along the Annapurna Circuit trek. It is a small lake near the base of Mount Gangapurna and the village of Manang. The lake is 3,540 m(11,614 ft) and is near your accommodation point, about 500m from your tea house.
The glacier of Mount Gangapurna forms the lake, hence its name, Gangapurna Lake. The stunning scenery of Mount Gangapurna made the lake’s surroundings even more attractive. To reach Gangapurna Lake, trekkers must cross the Marsyangdi River, and the lake is also en route to Tilicho Lake. Since the source of the Gangapurna Lake is Mount Gangapurna, the lake’s shape changes every year due to the melting glacier of Gangapurna Peak.
Tilicho Peak
The highest lake on the Annapurna Circuit trek, Tilicho Lake, stands at 4,919 m (16,138 ft). It is generally a side trip from the Annapurna Circuit trek to the Mesokanto La Pass. Tilicho Lake has two Base Camps: Tilicho Khola Base Camp and Tilicho Lake Southern Base Camp. One base camp is always open, and another is closed due to the high elevation and frigid climate.
Tilicho Lake’s major attraction is the majestic mountain peaks surrounding it. You can see the mesmerizing view of Annapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Gangapurna from Tilicho Lake. After exploring Tilicho Lake, you’ll return to Yak Kharka via Khangsar and continue to Thorung La pass.
Himalayan Views along the trail to Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit trek is renowned for its spectacular views of some of the world’s highest mountains. From the beginning of your journey to the end, you’ll be amazed by the snow-capped mountain peaks at every step of your trek.
Your starting trekking point for the Annapurna Circuit is Besidhsar, where you’ll begin to enjoy the mountain views. As you reach Besisahar, Mount Lamjung, 6,983 m (22,910 ft), welcomes you. When you visit Pisang village, Chulu West stands at 6,419 m or 21,059 ft tall. From Pisang village, you have two routes to get to Manang village: Upper Pisang and Lower Pisang.
We suggest you choose a route through Upper Pisang, as the trail to Upper Pisang provides the best view of the Annapurna II (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,459 ft), Annapurna III (7,555 m/24,787 ft), Tilicho peak (7134m/23405ft), and Chulu west (6419m/21059ft).
All the views you can see along the way from Pisang can be seen from Manang village, but from a closer view. Likewise, the same views, including Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,459 ft), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m/23,405 ft), and Chulu West (6,419 m/21,059 ft), are seen along the way to Yak Kharka. However, between Yak Kharka and Thorung Phedi, you’ll see arid landscapes and hike over the cliff.
While walking through the trail from Thorung Phedi to Thorong La Pass, you’ll get the best view of Thorong Peak ( 6,144 m/20157ft) and other mountain ranges. As you get to the top of Thorong La, views of Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167m /26,795 ft), Tukuche Peak, and different faces of the mountain range seen earlier are magnificent. Descending through Thorong La Pass, you’ll get to Muktinath.
Along the way to Muktinath, Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,545 ft) and Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167m /26,795 ft) accompany you. From Muktinath, you’ll say goodbye to the magnificent views of the Annapurna Circuit and descend to drive to Pokhara via a gravel road.
Some Other Trekking Routes for the Annapurna Circuit
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 anticlockwise Trekking is altitude sickness. Trekkers get enough time for acclimatization while trekking from Lamjung.
From the Muktinath trailhead, trekkers might not get enough time to adjust to the altitude. Trekkers begin their 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, while Muktinath’s is approximately 3,800 m above sea level.
Don’t forget to maximize your memory. On the other side of the pass lies the sacred Hindu site, the Muktinath Temple.
Combined Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Trek
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 need to obtain permits for specific restricted areas.
Tilicho Lake is another iconic destination. You can trek to the lake from Manang and rejoin the circuit trek route at Yak Kharka. Savor the opportunity to stand on the shores of the world’s highest-situated lake. You can also choose to avoid crossing Thorong La Pass. Instead of the pass, cross the Meso Kanta La Pass. Trekkers reach the Jomsom.
You can also head to Upper Mustang. Like the Nar Phu Trekking trip, the Upper Mustang trip requires a special permit. The Upper Mustang Trek 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.
Muktinath Temple & Eternal Flame
The temple of Lord Vishnu has 108 holy taps and two bathing ponds. Bathing in those taps and dipping into the ponds will wash away all your sins. The monastery is next to the temple and 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).
Many Indian Travelers gather fossils back home as replicas of Lord Vishnu. Regardless of their religious belief, Trekkers can collect these sacred fossils from the surroundings of the Muktinath Temple.
The trekking scenery slightly changes from Muktinath to Tatopani (Naturally Hot Spring). Instead, we took the Viagra to Tatopani village via Jomsom and Marpha. There, we dipped into the natural hot water springs and washed away all the pain we had endured while walking.
Also, gear up for the uphill Trekking to Ghorepani the next day. The scent of the rhododendrons and magnolia trees motivates trekkers to climb to Ghorepani. The 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 in the knowledge that you have completed Nepal’s diverse and alluring trekking detour. The final day’s walking is primarily downhill and flat out to Nayapul via Birethanti.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary is customizable. Therefore, please get in touch with our travel planners if you wish to make any changes to your plans. Boundless Adventure is always open to creating a trip of the trekker’s choice.
What makes Trekking interesting?
Nepal’s Annapurna Region is home to wonders within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The region tops the chart as a mesmerizing holiday destination, boasting lofty mountains and 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, undertaken over about two weeks of walking, unravels Mother Nature’s mythic enchantment.
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)
In addition to mountains and hills, the Annapurna Circuit Trek also offers a glimpse into the sociological traditions of the Himalayas and, similarly, the cultural pillars of Nepalese culture. Yes, the number of trekking days is extended.
Travel Insurance
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 such as AMS, floods, illnesses, avalanches, and landslides. To tackle these situations, you need to have Travel Insurance. Insurance is mandatory for any adventure activity in Nepal.
The insurance policy must include coverage for medical expenses and emergency helicopter evacuation. Trekkers must leave a copy of their travel insurance with the Boundless Adventure office. 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 must share a room on a twin-sharing basis. However, in some places and during peak season, they may have to spend the night in the dining hall. These lodges on the trail have basic amenities. The attached bathroom is also available in a limited number of places. Don’t expect extreme luxury lodges along the Trek trail.
Foods along the 12 days of the Around the Annapurna Trek.
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 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, it is wise to avoid too many caffeinated food items and alcohol. Ask for healthy foods. Follow the lead of the trekking guide.
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 build authenticity and contributes to the betterment of society. Tourism is a significant source of income for the people around 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. Our goal is sustainable tourism.
The Around Annapurna Trek is fascinating in the Annapurna Conservation Area. The detour refreshes. Get away from the daily drabness. Contact the travel planners of Boundless Adventure! State your requirements to us. We can tailor the Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary to suit your needs.
How can I prepare my body physically for trekking on the Annapurna Circuit?
We always suggest having some trekking and hiking experience in your country, even if you don’t have high-altitude mountains.
Walking in high-altitude areas requires greater physical fitness. The most daunting days of this trek are the 8th, 9th, and 11th. The trail is uphill and must be traversed at a lower oxygen level.
Do some cardiovascular exercises before Trekking. Prepare your body for 7 – 8 hours of continuous walking. Evening walks, cycling, light gym work, and good eating habits will help you overcome the hurdles. Eat, drink, and sleep well. Get a whole-body check-up before embarking on the trekking journey. Consult your doctors.
