Annapurna circuit Trek, Annapurna Round Trek, Annapurna Himalaya

Annapurna Circuit Trek

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History and Information of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the most well-known trekking routes in Nepal. It is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural richness, and high-altitude adventure. Annapurna Circuit Trek has diverse landscapes, cultural richness, and high-altitude adventure. It circles the Annapurna massif, passing through deep valleys, alpine deserts, alpine forests, and high mountain passes.
About the Annapurna, before the 1970s, the Annapurna region was largely isolated, with only local traders and pilgrims traveling through its valley. In 1950, Maurice Herzog’s French expedition became the first to successfully climb Annapurna I (8,091m), the first 8-thousand-meter peak summited. The trek became accessible to foreigners in the late 1970s. After that Annapurna region trek became famous among trekkers worldwide.
Evolutions of the Trek- In the 1980s and 1990s, the trek gained global popularity due to its diverse landscapes and cultural experiences. The construction of teahouses and lodges made it more accessible, reducing the need for camping. With the development of roads, some parts of the trek have changed, but it remains one of Nepal’s best trekking routes.

Major key information about the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Total Distance 160- 230 kilometers, depending on the trip’s starting point the ending point.
Highest point: Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft)
Region Covered: Lamjung, Manang, Mustang and Myagdi District
Major Rivers: Marsyangdi River on the eastern side and Kaligandaki River on the western side of the Thorong La pass.
Trip Highlights
-World’s Deepest gorge- Kali Gandaki between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain.
-Diverse climate zones- Ranges from Tropical forests to alpine deserts.
Culture and People
The Trek passes through Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Thakali, and Tibetan-influenced communities. Buddhist Monasteries, prayer Flags, and Chorten are common in the walking path and the Annapurna region trail. Muktinath Temple, at 3,800 meters, is a sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Why is the Annapurna Circuit Trek famous?
One of the World’s greatest trekking Routes, which offers stunning scenery and cultural immersion
Varied landscapes from subtropical forests to high mountain deserts.
The challenging and Rewarding trek crossing Thorong La Pass is a major achievement.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Description

The Annapurna Circuit trek is a long-distance trek that encircles the Annapurna Massif. It is known for its dramatic landscapes, high mountain passes, and diverse cultural experiences. The Annapurna round trek passes through lush subtropical forests, terraced fields, alpine meadows, and arid high-altitude deserts, giving trekkers a chance to experience a wide range of scenery and climates .

The Annapurna Circuit trek walking distance is about 160 to 230 kilometers. Trekking time will be about 10 days to 3 weeks, depending on how far you would like to drive to start the hike. The maximum elevation is 5,416m (17,769ft) at Thorong La Pass.
The best time for this trek will be from March to June and September to mid-December. And the level of trekking is moderately challenging. If you train well before you come to Nepal for trekking, it will be easy and success the trip.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking Route and Major Highlights:

-starting and ending points: The trek typically starts in Besisahar and drives to Dharapani, 1900 meters. If you have a shorter time and want to complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you can drive up to Chame at 2700m. The trek will end at Muktinath, and the next day, drive to Tatopani at 1400 meters and trek to Ghorepani. The next day, walk down to Ullery and drive back to Pokhara.
– Geographical and climate variations: The Trek Covers Five Climate Zones
1. Tropical/Subtropical Zone below 1,500 meters -Lush Green forests, Terraced Fields, and Warm Weather
2. Temperate Zone 1500m to 2,500 m. – Pine and oak forests with moderate temperatures.
3. Subalpine Zone 2,500m to 3,500 m- Cooler climate, Rhododendron forests, and alpine meadows.
4. Alpine Zone 3,500m-5000m – Barren Landscapes, Rocky terrain, and High-altitude vegetation.
5. Arid Trans Himalayan Zone above 5000m- Dry, desert-like terrain similar to Tibet, especially in the Manang and Mustang regions

Major highlights and interesting points

-Marshyangdi River Valley: The Trek follows this river for most of the early part, offering stunning valley views.
-Manang 3500m: A Beautiful Himalayan Town, a crucial acclimatization stop, with side trips to Ice Lake 4,620m and Gangapurna Lake.
-Thorong La Pass 5,416m: The Highest point of the trek, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu range.
-Muktinath 3,800m: A Sacred Hindu and Buddhist Pilgrimage site with an internal flame and 108 water spouts.
-Jomsom 2700m: A windy town in the Kali Gandaki Valley, famous for apples and Thakali Culture.
-Tatopani 1400m: Famous for its natural Hot Springs.
-Ghorepani Poon Hill 3210m: Famous for spectacular viewpoint offering panoramic sunrise views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail.
Cultural Diversity Along the Trek
The Annapurna Circuit passes through different ethnic regions, each with distinct traditions and lifestyles:
Gurung and Magar Communities in the Lower Regions, found in areas like Mesisahar, Dharapani, and Chame, are known for their warrior history and involvement in the British Gurkha Regiments.
Tibetan Buddhists were influenced by Tibetan culture with monasteries, prayer wheels, and Mani walls around the Manang and Mustang districts. Thakali people in Lower Mustang and Upper Mustang are known for their unique culture and delicious Thakali Cuisine, Monasteries, prayer Flags, and Chortens, Stupas can commonly be seen, making the trek a rich cultural experience.
Annapurna Circuit Trek weather and temperature variations:
-Lower elevations: Besisahar to Dharapani is warm during the day and cool at night.
Mid-altitudes: Timang to Manang has moderate temperatures, but can be cold at night.
-High Altitude Thorong-la will be very cold, with strong winds and possible snow.
-Kali Gandaki Valley is very windy and dry, similar to a high-altitude desert.

High Altitude and Acclimatization

The rapid gain in altitude makes proper acclimatization essential. Manang 3,500m is the most Common Acclimatization stop, with side hikes like Ice Lake, Gangapurna Glacier, or Hundred Cave to help with adaptation. Thorong La Pass, 5,416 meters, is the most challenging part due to altitude and weather conditions.
Accommodation and food:
The Annapurna Circuit Trek follows a teahouse trekking style, meaning you stay in local lodges instead of camping. Basic but comfortable rooms with shared bathrooms are common. In higher altitudes, facilities are more basic, with fewer amenities.

Food and Drink:

Dal Bhat (Rice, lentil soup, Vegetables) is a common and fresh food on the trekking trail.
Thukpa (Tibetan Noodle Soup), Momos (dumplings), and Tsampa Porridge (barley porridge) are popular in this trek
Meat is available but not recommended at high altitudes due to hygiene concerns. Similarly, you can find bread items, eggs, potatoes, and many local varieties.

Accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Teahouses/ Lodges- The most common type of stay, offering basic rooms with twin beds, blankets, and a shared bathroom, is available all over the Tea Houses.
Luxury Lodges in lower regions like Chame, Manang, Muktinath, Jomsom, Tatopani, and Ghorepani offer hot showers, attached bathrooms, and WIFI.
Basis Teahouses in higher altitudes like Thorong Phedi and High Camp Lodges are simple, with shared dorm-style rooms and limited facilities. If you don’t want to stay in a major trekking Stop, you can find basic tea shops. Hot showers, electric device charges, and WIFI are extra charges in most places.

Transportation and Accessibility:

Local Buses, four four-wheel jeeps from Kathmandu to Besisahar, and jeeps to Dharapani or Chame. Returning from Muktinath to Tatopani will be by bus, and from Jomsom to Pokhara can fly.
Best Season/Time for Annapurna Circuit Trek:
The best Time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek is Spring, March to June, and Autumn, September to November. These months offer the best weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable trekking conditions.
1. Autumn, September-November – Best Season
-Stable Weather and clear skies- ideal for panoramic mountain views
-Calm temperatures, not too cold and not too hot.
-Festive Atmosphere- major Nepali festivals like Dashain and Tihar.
-More Crowded-popular routes can get busy
2. Spring (March-May) – Second-best Season for trekking
-Blooming Rhododendrons and Lush greenery, especially in the  lower regions
-Clear Skies and good visibility- Though Occasional haze in lower areas.
-Mild temperatures – pleasant for Trekking.
-Pre-monsoon storms are possible but usually brief.
3. Winter (December – February) only for Experienced Trekkers
-Less Crowded -Quiet Trails.
-Beautiful Snow-covered landscapes- stunning winter scenery with snow.
-Very Cold Temperatures -Especially at high Altitudes.
-Thorong – La pass may be closed due to heavy Snow.
4. Monsoon (June – August) – not recommended
– Fewer trekkers-less crowded trails
-Lush Green Scenery – The lower region is beautiful.
-Heavy rain and landslides – Trails can be Dangerous.
-Cloudy Weather – Limited Mountain Views.
-Leeches in lower elevations can be annoying.

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Itinerary

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Our representative will take you from the Airport to transfer to the hotel by private tourist Vehicle. After being fresh, you can come to our office or walk around the tourist place Thamel and prepare for next day Trekking.
We will start with a drive in the morning from Kathmandu. The mountain scenery along the drive looks like a magnificent amphitheater on a staggering scale. Terraced paddy fields along the neighboring yet distant hills and wind gushing in your face make for a pleasant and smooth drive with much time to contemplate the tiring but exciting adventure ahead. Lunch will be eaten along the way. It takes approx 9/10 hours to reach Dharapani. The road is rough and unpaved prone to landslides, especially in the monsoon. driving route passes through the Bhulbhule, Syange, Jagat, Chyamje, Tal, and finally reaches Dharapani.  Overnight at Tea House Lodge B, L, D. B. L. D= Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, the section from Dharapani to Chame will be a beautiful stretch of the Annapurna Circuit trek, offering a mix of lush forests, traditional villages, and stunning mountain views. the distance between these two places is about 16 kilometers and it takes 6/7 hours to walk and you have to ascend around 7 hundred meters from low land to camp. the walking path will go through the Bagarchap, timang, Koto, and Chame. Overnight at teahouse Lodge B, L, D Highlights of the day:
  • Beautiful Rhododendron and pine forest
  • A scenic spot with stunning mountain views: Timang Village
  • Hot spring in Chame
  • First Proper views of Annapurna II, Manaslu and Lamjung Himal
The trek starts after breakfast in the hotel in Chame. Then, the trail follows the Marshyangdi River through dense forest and reaching to Bharatang (Apple farm) a famous spot for fresh juice and apples. you will see a huge rock face known as Swarga Dwari (heaven's gate) appear on a stunning cliff on the way.  The path after crossing a suspension bridge heading up to Dhikur Pokhari. After Dhukur Pokhari, a gentle climb takes you to the lower Pisang and another half an hour's walk to reach the upper Pisang. The trek of today is relatively moderate in difficult, but ascent to Upper Pisang can be steep in the last minute. the landscape also changes from lush greenery to a drier more Himalayan Terrain. Overnight at Upper Pisang in Tea House Lodge with BLD.  
Upper Pisang to Manang has two route options, A lower and a higher route. most people choose the higher route because the route via Ghyaru and Ngawal is more Challenging but offers spectacular panoramic views and is better for Acclimatization. The trekking distance will be about 17 kilometers and it will take 6-8 hours to reach Manang. Overnight at Manang in tea house lodge including BLD. Day highlights:
  • Traditional Tibetan Villages with stone houses and prayer flags.
  • Braga Monastery: one of the oldest and most beautiful monasteries in this region.
  • Better Acclimatization and stunning views of the Annapurna Himalaya range and Pisang peak.
  • best views of gangapurna, Tilicho, and Annapurna including gangapurna lake.
This day you can take a rest or hike somewhere like Gangapurna Lake, milerappa cave or Ice lake, or you wash your cloth just enjoy etc. Overnight at Manang same lodge B, L, D
The trail ascends steadily through Tenki Manang, leaving the Valley behind and carrying on north, chasing the Jarsang River. You will come upon a canyon rising majestically on both sides, showing off its elegant snowy clad peaks. If lady luck is shining, the Himalayan blue sheep a rare animal may grace you with its presence. Overnight at Churi-ledar tea-house lodge B, L, D
After crossing the glacial stream, Phedi button of the mountain appears with its pathway. At this stage, it is essential that you showcase proper signs of acclimatization for your own safely. We can have a lunch there take rest about an hour and slowly walk up to the High camp. Overnight at High camp tea house lodge B, L, D
Today, the trek starts early in the morning around 4 am. Even though the trail ascends from high camp also, there is nothing to worry about for it is frequent by trekkers. It takes 2 to 4 hour escalade up the pass is worth the alluring view along the great barrier and Kali Gandaki valley. After accomplishing this difficult feat, you will be greeted with a tough descend around sixteen hundred meters to arrive in Muktinath. Muktinath is a village of great religious significance and you will be transcended in to a world of religion. It is Pilgrimage center for both Hindu and Buddhist people. You will encounter Tibetan traders and Sadhus (Holy man) and rock piles made from Visitors in exchange for good fortune in their next life. Overnight at Muktinath in teahouse lodge B, L, D
Now we begin the descent down to the Dramatic kali Gandaki Gourge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Kingar villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom which is sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki. From here, we can see nice views of the Nilgiri Peaks. Overnight at Jomsom in tea house lodge B, L, D
We will drive from Marpha to Tatopani passing through Tukuche, Kobang, Kopche pani, Rupse waterfall and Dana where world deepest gorge. Testament of nature’s beauty and cruelty, Tatopani is well known for its variety and exotic foods and natural Hot Springs. The town is usually brimming with resting trekkers and is a melting pot for both trekkers and tourists from different parts of the globe. You can enjoy the cold beer and Hot Springs, two in one place. Overnight at Tatopani in teahouse lodge B, L, D
Today you walking will more part of uphill but it will be all around the village and forest so it will be not much difficult. From walking path you will see Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak and many more snow covered peak. Overnight at teahouse lodge B, L, D
Today is last day for mountain, walk down through the forest of Rhododendron, oak, Alder and many more. We will arrive the Nayapul around 2 or 3 o’clock. And take a taxi to go to Pokhara. Overnight at Pokhara in hotel B, B plan
You can enjoy the rest of the time in pokhara and does some sightseeing till one o’clock then go to the airport for fly to Kathmandu. Overnight at Kathmandu hotel B, B plan
This is last day for nepal on this time, we will provide the car and drop you to the airport and say you good bye and see you again on our mother land.
Trip cost

Includes & Excludes

Cost Includes

  • Annapurna Area Permit and Government Tax
  • Trekking Equipments, Trekking Map of Annapurna
  • Full Board Plan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Accommodation) during trek,
  • Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara as your requirement.
  • An experienced licensed holder Guide and required Porters
  • Food, drinks, salary, equipment, transportation, accommodation, Medical kit box and local Tax for guide & porters,
  • Transportation by flight, Tourist Bus and car, all necessary transportation while sightseeing
  • TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management Systems)
  • All guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
  • Airports pick up and drop with an escort

cost excludes

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Your travel insurance, International flight, Nepal entry visa fee
  • Any expense of a personal nature, like hot and cold drinks, bar bills, wifi, charging,
  • Tips for guide and porter
Sweet words

Reviews

Thurka Sivapalan

2008

Best Holiday Ever

Ken and I decided to do a trek the Himalayas and we were so lucky to be introduced to Dhruba in Kathmandu. We trekked to the highest pass, walked through jungles, villages and hiked up to the tree line through a barren, beautiful, lunar, desert landscape and acclimatised before hiking up to the very highest pass. I loved every minute of it. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. The food was amazing and we loved spending time with the Nepalese. I would highly recommend Dhruba as your guide. He is knowledgeable and a true professional. He will look after you and will ensure that you are okay throughout the trip. I learnt a lot of Nepalese through Dhruba which was fun! He calls me big sister "Didi." Although I have not seen Dhruba since 2008, we are in regular contact and he has become a life long friend of ours. We miss him dearly and I will definitely be back to have another trip with him again.

Thurka

2008

5 Star Experienced Guide

Ken and I decided to do a trek the Himalayas and we were so lucky to be introduced to Dhruba in Kathmandu. We trekked to the highest pass, walked through jungles, villages and hiked up to the tree line through a barren, beautiful, lunar, desert landscape and acclimatized before hiking up to the very highest pass. I loved every minute of it. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. The food was amazing and we loved spending time with the Nepalese. I would highly recommend Dhruba as your guide. He is knowledgeable and a true professional. He will look after you and will ensure that you are okay throughout the trip. I learnt a lot of Nepalese through Dhruba which was fun! Although I have not seen Dhruba since 2008, we are in regular contact and he has become a life long friend of ours. He calls me big sister "Didi" We miss him dearly and I will definitely be back to have another trip with him again.
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