Annapurna Circuit Trek Attraction
Monasteries in Manang
The monasteries in the 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 charm 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 its own culture and history. 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 ethics of the group 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. Until you reach Mustang from Manang, you’ll encounter Gurung, and as you get to 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 four cultures, which show Nepal’s cultural diversity. 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 near your accommodation point, about 500m from your tea house.
The glacier of Mount Gangapurna makes the lake, so it is named Gangapurna Lake. The stunning scenery of the mountain Gangapurna made the lake’s surroundings more attractive. To get to Gangapurna Lake, trekkers need to cross the Marsyangdi River, and the lake is also on the way 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 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 well known for the 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 in each trek step.
Your starting trekking point to Annapurna Circuit is Besidhsar; you’ll start getting the mountain views from there. As you reach Besisahar, Mount Lamjung 6,983 m(22,910 ft), welcome you. When you go to Pisang village, Chulu West stands at 6419m or 21059ft 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 (7134m/23405ft), and Chulu West (6419m/21059ft), 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, saying goodbye to all the magnificent views from Annapurna Circuit, you’ll descend and drive to Pokhara via a gravel road.
Some Other Trekking Routes for 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 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 above 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.
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 have to get permits for particular 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. Relish the chance to be at the shores of the world’s highest-situated lake. You can choose to avoid crossing 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 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 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. 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 primarily downhill and flats out to Nayapul via Birethanti.
The itinerary of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is customizable. Therefore, contact our travel planners if you want to change 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 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 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 the sociological traditions of the Himalayas and, similarly, the cultural pillars of Nepalese culture. Yes, the number of trekking days is more 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 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 insurance policy must include medical expenses and emergency evacuation by helicopter. Trekkers must leave a copy of the Travel Insurance in 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 need to share the 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 few places only. 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 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. Our goal is sustainable tourism.
The Around Annapurna Trekking 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 discuss the Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary according to your needs.
How can I prepare myself physically before trekking in the Annapurna circuit?
We always suggest you have some trekking and hiking experience in your country, even though you don’t have such high-altitude mountains.
Walking in high-altitude places demands more physical fitness. The most daunting days of this Trekking 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.
