Introduction Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit is one of the best trekking trails in the world in terms of its outstanding scenery. This trail lies in the northwestern Himalayas of Nepal. Annapurna Circuit Trek is also called Annapurna Round trekking because it circles the Annapurna massif/ Himalayan Range. The Annapurna Circuit trek offers an amazing panorama of snowy Mt. Manaslu (8187 m), Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Gangapurna, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and many other Himalayan peaks.

The route of Annapurna Circuit Trek opened for foreign nationals in 1977 AD. This trail starts from less than 1000 meters and goes up to a height of 5,416 m. It passes through distinct regional scenery of rivers, flora, fauna, and above different mountains. It passes through lowland Brahmin and Chhetri villages to the remote village of Manang and also descends via the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.

The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit is the Thorong La (5416m/17769ft). Thorong La is also considered the longest mountain pass in the world. It is a dream of all trekkers that to look over the magnificent Himalayan peak by own eyes just sitting down on the top of that pass.

In Annapurna Circuit Trek the trekkers pass through four regions: Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi. Lamjung and Myagdi are at the lower altitude with lush green subtropical valleys with villages and terraced farming. Manang and Mustang are at a higher altitude with an arid Tibetan-style landscape. The majority of people are in Manang and Mustang are Buddhists whose culture is predominantly influenced by Tibetan people. Mustang also is one of the few places in the world to view the ancient Bonpo Religion in action. Life in this region has remained almost unchanged throughout centuries.

Annapurna Circuit Trek starts counter-clockwise from Besisahar following the Marsyangdi River upstream and to its source near the village of Manang. Then it goes to reaches its summit in Thorung La (pass) at the height of 5416m, or 17,769 feet. The route goes past with the views of mountains in the Annapurna range,  Mt Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri and also passing through the world’s deepest gorge in between two 8,000-plus meter peaks: Mt. Annapurna I and Mt Dhaulagiri. A side trip from Manang offers the icy Gangapurna Lake and the incredible natural paradise surrounding Gangapurna Glacier. Poon Hill, at the end of the trek, provides magnificent views of Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Macchupucchre “Fishtail Mountain.”

The trek also goes through Buddhist and Hindu villages and also holy sites of both religious groups. Muktinath is one of the most sacred temples for both Buddhists and Hindus. In the route from Dharapani to Kagbeni you will be walking the Annapurna section of The Great Himalaya Trail, a long-distance trekking route that links Nepal from East to West.

People in reasonably good health can do the Annapurna Circuit trek comfortably. Trekkers slowly ascend the trail to allow for full acclimatization and optimum enjoyment of the Annapurna Circuit trek.