Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek: An Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a world class long-distance trek that is world famous for its remarkable scenic views and rich and varying cultures and landscapes is a trek through Nepal's Annapurna Conservation Area which holds the largest protected area in the country at roughly 7,629 square kilometers. With a diverse environment that includes lush subtropical forrests, terraced farmlands, towering alpine mountains, and high-altitude desert terrain, it is sure to present adventurers with an unforgettable trekking experience.

This amazing trek also showcases a wealth of culture, with the preservation of ancient pascific Hindu and Buddhist traditions in the Gurung and Manang village communities. Trekking the Annapurna circuit also brings travelers to some of the world’s most famed natural landmarks like the deepest gorge, the highest trekking pass, and a view of the world's tallest mountains.

Moreover, trekkers also have the opportunity to experience the remarkable views of the most of the world’s 8,000 meter peaks. Notable mountains include the 8,091 meter Annapurna, 8,167 meter Dhaulagiri I, and 8,156 meter Manaslu. It’s also famous for the famed 55 km long Annapurna range with the very dramatic mountains sight of Himalayas bordered by the Kali Gandaki Gorge to the west and Marsyangdi River to the north.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Physical Demands and Difficulty

Moderate treks and with good fitness and experience. Trekking hours range from 6-8 with increases in altitude. Most strenuous is Thorong La Pass at 5416 - requires endurance, mental, and good acclimatizing.

Although no technical climbing is involved, there are long altitudes, ascents, changing weather, and high desc. Annapurna Circuit is one of the most trekkable high altitude circuys in Nepal.

Tour Highlights for the Annapurna Circuit

• • Trekking within the boundaries of the largest conservation area in Nepal
• • Breathtaking views of the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and various other Himalayan mountains
• • Reaching Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world
• • Walking through the culturally rich and historical Gurung and Manang settlements
• • Exploring the Kali Gandaki Gorge, Earth’s deepest gorge
• • Visiting the Muktinath Temple, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists
• • Trekking through varying ecosystems, landscapes, and climates

Other Trekking Details

The trek starts alongside the Marsyangdi River and gradually climbs to the high-altitude Manang village (3,600m). Trekkers enjoy the transition through stone villages, terraced farms, and forests, which then gives way to the high barren alpine (higher than 3,800m). After arriving in Manang, trekkers are required to take acclimatization days before attempting to cross Thorong La Pass.

After crossing Thorong La, the trail leads down into Mustang and to the sacred grounds of the Muktinath Temple, a site of pilgrimage for Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists. After Muktinath, the path runs alongside the Kali Gandaki River, passing through the valleys and villages of Jomsom, Marpha, Tukuche, and Tatopani, which means ‘hot water’ in, where the natural hot springs are found. The trek ends in the lakeside city of Pokhara.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is distinguished by its combination of age-old villages, contrasts in spirituality and nature, and the trek's physical difficulty.