An ideal introductory trek, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most happening trekking experience in Nepal that offers the trekkers with outstanding scenery, distinct regional scenery of perennial rivers, diverse flora and fauna, majestic mountains and their breathtaking views, cultural and architectural legacies in monasteries and Gompas, Temples and festivals, prayer wheels and Mani walls and unique lifestyle of the proud ethnic communities. The coexistence of Hinduism and Tibetan-Buddhism in the region, traverse along the challenging passes and natural amphitheatre of Annapurna, exploration of the natural sanctuary with rich natural heritages, excellent hospitality and diverse landscape makes the Annapurna Circuit Trek a worthy experience. The trail provides view of the eight-thousanders (Manaslu 8156m, Annapurna I 8091m, and Dhaulagiri 8167m) along with peaks such as Mt. Fishtail (6998m), Mt. Annapurna II (7940m), Mt. Annapurna III (7550m), Annapurna South (7220m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7525m), Tilicho Peak (7135m) among others.
The enthralling Annapurna Circuit Trek begins from the city of Besisahar at around 800m in the Lamjung district and goes on to the robust altitude of 5416m at the challenging Thorang La Pass. Four regions are passed on this trail; Lamjung, Manang, Mustang and Myagdi. As we walk on from Besisahar, we continue along the Marsyangdi River with the great view of Manaslu and Himal Chuli Mountain to the east. We move on along the trail on the either side of the Marsyangdi River crossing several suspension bridges. The trek gets better every day. The starting days has in store green lush valleys, colorful rhododendron forests, hamlets, terraced fields, hillside villages, waterfalls and Hinduism influenced cultural practices, monuments and shrines.
As we ascend deeper into the heart of Annapurna Conservation Area through the settlements of Dharapani, Thoche, Danakyu onto the town of Chame (district headquarter of Manang district), the terrain seems to be gradually on transformation and alpine vegetation slowly is on the scene. Moving further along, the terrain start becoming more barren and arid with the cultivation of buckwheat on the fields along the way is seen past the villages of Pisang, Braga, Nagwal and Manang. With the Mani walls, Gompas and prayer flags hosting the trekkers, we ascend the formidable Thorang La pass, the major highlight of Annapurna Circuit Trek. Past it we reach the holy site of Muktinath, the shrine revered equally by the Hindu and Buddhist followers. The trail further leads us to the picturesque Jomsom valley in the Mustang region and explores the apple orchards and rice terraces gradually leaving the barren Himalayan peaks. We contour along the trail further past the Kali Gandaki Valley, the valley with the world’s deepest gorge and the Annapurna rising to over 8000m on one side and Dhaulagiri on the other side. The trek ends with a spectacular scenery and cultural richness in the villages of Ghandruk and Poonhill past the settlements of Ghasa, Tatopani as we part away from the Kali Gandaki River onto the scenic Lake City of Pokhara. You may extend the trip for several activities around Pokhara or return to Kathmandu valley.
Annapurna Circuit Trekking is a moderately difficult trekking expedition. However, the trekkers need to be physically fit wherein you are likely to walk for around 6-7 hours each over the hilly terrain. Pay visit to Muktinath (the God of Salvation), witness the marvelous natural scenery, colossal Himalayas and welcoming locals while encircling around the Annapurna massif in this trek.
