Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna circuit trek is a classic and legendary trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Long served as a way that was fundamentally connected with the lifestyle of the people in the remote Annapurna villages, the circuit trek is one of the most beautiful trekking routes in Nepal. 

The astonishing deep gorges, incredible viewpoints, flora and fauna and the culture and lifestyle of people in local villages are the major things to explore during this trek. Though the traditional circuit is fragmented due to recent development in infrastructures, trekking to this part of west Nepal is widely admired and trekked by many world-renowned trekking enthusiasts in Nepal. 

The trekking in the Annapurna circuit allows you to explore a wide range of flora and fauna. During the trek, you will also get an opportunity to witness the most beautiful wonders of the earth - the spectacular snow-clad Himalayas. Besides that,  the cultural and traditional values that are part of the life of locals are the most fascinating part of the trek. The hospitable people throughout the trek continuously greeting you and sharing their experiences in the mountains is perhaps a wonderful part of trekking in the Annapurna circuit trek. 

The trek also allows you to explore the vivid spectrums of nature. The Himalayas, vegetation, Annapurna conservation area, flora and fauna, small waterfalls, cultural villages, remote lifestyle and the nature-based experience make the trek fruitful. You will be fascinated by the experiences you get at the lap of mountains in the Annapurna region. 

Passing through two river valleys and encircling the majestic Annapurna massif feels like you are circumambulating a mountain for spiritual enlightenment. It is perhaps a journey that is full of adventure and joy. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek Facts

The upper part of Annapurna is in the Tibetan Plateau. You will trek around the edges of it and explore the beautiful natural climate here. Some of the major mountains that you can witness while trekking in the Annapurna circuit are Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Pisang Peak, Tilicho Peak and Paungda Danda. Besides these incredible mountains, you can witness many other mountain peaks and the neighbouring Himalayas.

After arriving in Kathmandu, explore the city and get ready for your trek in the Annapurna area. The benefit of this trek is that you may also explore Pokhara, Nepal's adventure capital. You leave Kathmandu and drive to Dharapani to begin your tour.

You reach the beautiful village of Manang via the villages of Dharapani, Chame and Pisang. After spending a day in Manang acclimatizing, you will walk to the magnificent Thorong la pass via Yak Kharka. In most parts of the trek, the climate and terrains are arid, so, it is one of the most beautiful and vividly adorned trekking routes that provide a wide range of experiences. After crossing Thorong La, trek down to Muktinath and Kagbeni to reach Jomsom. A flight from Jomsom will take you back to the Pokhara valley and a drive will take you back to Kathmandu to mark the end of the trek. 

The Annapurna circuit trek can be extended to Tilicho Lake from Manang. Also,  from mustang, other trekking areas such as Upper mustang can be extended. If you want a customization of the trip, you can provide us with your requirements and we’ll arrange a plan of your choice. 

What is Annapurna Circuit Trek? 

Annapurna circuit is a classical trek route that has been a part of the life of most of the people of Manang and corresponding areas. It used to be a dedicated trade route in the Annapurna region. As the route provides fascinating sights of Annapurna mountain, encircling it in the middle and passing around the different villages, this trek route is widely admired. Because of a wide range of trekking zones, this circuit trek offers diverse experiences in the Annapurnas. 

It is a well-known route that connects numerous settlements in the districts of Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Lamjung, and Myagdi. This track was utilized to move goods and cattle back when the contemporary bus-jeep system couldn't access the highway. However, the pattern shifted between the 1970s and 1980s when an increasing number of young adventure seekers arrived in Nepal. And it became a well-liked trekking route in Nepal's Annapurna region. As of now, most of the areas in the Annapurna region have been explored by several hikers, and a few of them are connected to the existing trail, making it a superb destination for tourists seeking natural adventure.

The whole Annapurna area is governed by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). This trek encompasses a wide range of villages in the Kaski, Manang and Mustang districts of Nepal. All of these places have a wide range of experiences and a diverse range of typography to offer. So, trekking in the Annapurna circuit is not only rewarding in terms of the nature-based experiences, but it also allows you to witness a wide range of topological differences. Also, explore the high-altitude lakes, and valleys in the pristine settlement of Nepal. 

The historical attributes are interesting to the Annapurna circuit. The interesting fact is this trek route is still an incredible one that has a wide range of villages covered and the most fascinating sights to explore. The arid beauty of trans-Himalayan villages in Manang and Mustang is very beautiful. On this trip, you will also be exploring a wide range of vegetation that is prevalent in the lowlands to the arid valleys in the higher elevations.

Thorong La Pass (5416m)

One of the most well-known mountain passes in Nepal, Thorong La Pass, sits at an elevation of 5416 m. above sea level. It is located in Nepal's Annapurna area. It is one of Nepal's highest crossings at 5,416 meters above sea level and part of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Because of its elevation, it is not possible to pass over this pass all year round. It is hard to cross the trail during these two times of the year because of the snow that covers the trail in the winter and the slick trail during the rainy season.

While traveling via the Thorong La Pass, one can enjoy breathtaking views of the enormous mountains. The revered Muktinath Temple is located after you have passed across the Pass from Thorong Phedi. 

Mustang Village

One of the most beautiful destinations in Nepal is Mustang. It is regarded as Nepal's ‘heaven’ and is located in the Dhaulagiri Zone. Roadways and aeroplanes can be used to get to Mustang. The number and frequency of flights to Mustang are however quite small. The high wind that blows after 12 AM is the main cause of the reduced number of flights in Mustang. When it comes to roads, the one that leads to Jomsom isn't in the best of shape. Off-road travel will be exhilarating and joyful as you can explore several waterfalls, scenic drives and small villages throughout the way. 

When it comes to tourist destinations, there are a lot of undiscovered treasures. However, several locations in Mustang are very well known and receive hundreds of visitors each day. The most well-known places to visit in Mustang include Jomsom, Marpha Village, Dumba Lake, Chhairo Gompa, Muktinath Temple, Marpha Monastery, and others. In addition, you can add the Upper Mustang Trek to your journey if you want to elongate it. 

Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP)

The largest protected region in Nepal, measuring 7,629 square kilometers, is the Annapurna Conservation Area. It is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. It contains 101 different species of animals and different vegetation. Inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, some mammal species include the snow leopard, musk deer, Tibetan wolf, and others.

ACAP was founded in 1992 with an aim to conserve and protect the ecosystem and biodiversity of the Annapurna region. Within this protected region, there are numerous trekking trails offering mind-blowing experiences to the visitors. The Annapurna Conservation Area contains some of the most well-known hiking trails, such as Annapurna Base Camp, Ghandruk, Poon Hill, Manang, Muktinath, Jomsom, Upper Mustang, Nar Phu Valley, Mardi Himal, etc. 

Manang 

You will arrive at Manang after passing through the quaint villages of Pisang and Braga, each with breathtaking terrain and visual splendor. Manang is a charming, traditional, old town with stunning traditional architecture and breathtaking mountain vistas.

On the trip around the Annapurnas, Manang is the biggest settlement. Manang is a rain shadow region with desert landscapes, prevailing winds, and vistas of traditional towns, temples, monasteries, mountains, and viewpoints that soothe the tension from the trip. Some of the major places that can be explored in Manang village are ice lake, monastery, apple farms and many others. The cultural and traditional attributes of the village are also major attractions to explore. 

Ice Lake

One of the highest frozen lakes, Ice Lake, also known as Kicho Tal, is located at an altitude of 4,620 meters above sea level. There are also two frozen lakes nearby. The zigzag trail from Manang will lead you to the main trail to Ice Lake. The walk from Manang to Ice Lake and back is around 17 kilometers long in total. In addition, the hike will take 7 to 8 hours to finish. Because of this, it is advised to begin your hike from Manang early in the morning if you want to explore the Ice Lake.

Pisang Village

Pisang village, a settlement of Gurungs, Ghales, and Tibetan immigrants, is situated at a height of 3,250 m in the Marshyangdi river valley. There are several tea houses decorated in the manner of antiquity where one can stay and enjoy wonderful sightseeing. The village's traditional beauty, the mountains, and the surrounding surroundings are all evident when you visit the Pisang village. The arid geography and beautiful sceneries are very stunning parts of the trek to explore in this village. 

Muktinath Temple

You enter the Mustang region of Nepal 1,600 meters below Thorong La. You get a better glimpse of Mt. Dhaulagiri and the barren hills of Mustang while trekking in this area. Muktinath, a well-liked location with many tourists and a sacred location for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, is located there.

You can find distinct medieval cities like Kagbeni (2,840 m) and Jomsom (2,670 m) by trekking to the lower parts of the Mustang. Additionally, Jomsom has an airport where you can fly directly to Pokhara to end your journey. The Muktinath temple is very fascinating as you can explore the scenic places in the surrounding and also the great pilgrimage importance.