Annapurna Circuit Trek

Journey Through Nepal’s Most Diverse Landscapes

The 19 days Annapurna circuit trek region is a mix of sub-tropical lowlands, hills, and high alpine vegetation. It is home to many peaks, some of which are among the top 10 highest peaks in the world. It also houses many different species of wildlife and birds. Although the chances of encountering animals are low, you will get to see many different birds along the route.

Cross the Legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)

This is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary, connecting Mustang to the Manang Valley. The climb to the top of the pass can be exciting as you have to zigzag through rocky slopes with a wide view of the valley beneath. A grand view of Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Annapurna II, Thorong Peak, Pisang Peak, and more awaits us at the top.

Explore Manang Valley

Sitting in the rain-shadow region of the Annapurana Himalayan range, the Manang valley is not affected by the monsoon season, making it one of the driest and arid regions of Nepal. Deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, the Annapurna Circuit Trek region has many monasteries and traditional stone houses.

Experience Sacred Serenity at Muktinath Temple

The Muktinath Temple is one of the few temples that is highly revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. There are 108 water sports, pouring out ice-cold water all day long; as a test of faith, devotees attempt to walk or run through all the spouts. This can be an entertaining watch, plus a sacred experience if you decide to join in.

Taste Himalayan Flavors in Marpha

Marpha is perhaps mostly known for the apples it exports, along with the alcoholic drinks made from them. You can try fresh apples there, and a bunch of apple-based dishes like dried apple chips and apple pie. Marpha is also known for its Thakali Culture; you should try the authentic Thakali meal while you are there.

Soak in Natural Hot Springs at Tatopani

The natural hot springs at Tatopani feel like heaven on the first dip, after you have spent multiple weeks trekking in the rugged highlands. Located along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, your body will feel rejuvenated from the stress of walking long hours every day.

Watch a Magical Sunrise from Poon Hill

After a short 45-minute hike from Ghorepani, we will witness one of the best sunrise scenes on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, from the viewpoint of Poon Hill. This scene features Annapurna South, Fishtail, Lamjung Himal, Nilgiri, and Annapurna I. On clear days, you will get to see more than 15 peaks from the top.

Step into Ghorepani – A Mountain Village Rich in History and Tradition

Ghorepani (translated to Horse Water) was once one of the main stops en route to Tibet. This charming village is dominated by Magar people, offers trekkers a glimpse into their rich culture and tradition. You will see many old-style houses made of clay, mud, and roofed with stone slabs.

Walk Beside the Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki Rivers

At the start of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, we will be trekking alongside the Marsyangdi River, crossing many suspension bridges as we cover distance. Passing by rice farmlands, waterfalls, and tiny settlements, we will also trek the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Descending into the Kali Gandaki River Valley, we have to get into the deepest gorge in the world.

Witness the Cultural Blend of Buddhism and Hinduism

While the Annapurna Circuit Trek region is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, there are many households and communities that are Hindu or Buddhist-Hindu. You will get to visit many monasteries along the way, but also the highly revered Hindu temple of Muktinath. Prayer flags can often be seen throughout the trek, along with small Hindu temples.

Unforgettable Panoramas – Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machapuchhre, and Beyond

From villages like Manang and Pisang, we get to see Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, Annapurna II, III, IV, and more. Additionally, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri peaks can be seen from the top of Thorong La Pass, along with Nilgiri, Tukuche, Fishtail, and Hiunchuli.

Is this trip beginner-friendly?

While it does not make for an ideal trekking experience for beginners, it is still doable if they are very well-prepared. Beginners need to focus on physical preparation, particularly heavy cardio exercises, to prepare their bodies for the physical demands of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Exercises like swimming, cycling, jogging, etc., are the best and simplest options, while if you are into the gym, you can do some lifting to strengthen your legs and also use the ladder machine for endurance training.

Private trip vs Group Joining

Our standard trek package is the group joining trek. This arrangement features random trekkers, forming a group in pairs. You will be sharing rooms with one of the trekkers in the group. However, private rooms can also be managed at a price, separate from the Annapurna Circuit Trek package. On the flip side, a private trek is where you do not have to share the experience with random people. You have the choice of doing the trek with your close ones, sharing an intimate experience with nature.

Trip Extension

There are a lot of great sites, villages, and viewpoints you can visit in the Annapurna region; the list is endless. If you have some particular places you want to visit, you can work out an itinerary with one of our trek experts to extend the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Or, you can just extend the Annapurna Circuit Trek by spending extra nights at the standard daily destinations. Sightseeing in Pokhara and Kathmandu for a whole day is also a viable option.

Solo trek on the Annapurna Circuit

Trekking solo is not the most chosen option on our Annapurna Circuit Trek package, but it is often the most intimate and personal experience that people can go for. You will be accompanied by our trek guide and a porter. While a trek guide is mandatory, you can choose not to hire a porter and carry all your luggage by yourself throughout the Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary.

Photography & Drone Rules

You are free to take photos of the landscape, the temples, the monasteries, and other interesting things you see on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. However, it is often prohibited to take pictures of the interiors of religious sites. So, play by the rules and do not get in any trouble. Moreover, if you want to take pictures of the locals going about their daily lives, make sure they are okay with it. Lastly, using drones is prohibited without proper registration with CAAN and NTNC.

Cultural Festivals on the Trail

During the season of fall, you can experience the biggest festival in Nepal, Dashain. This festival falls during late September and early October. This festival lasts for 10 days, but the main celebration lasts for around 3 days. Dashain is closely followed by Tihar, with a time gap of 10 to 15 days. Tihar is the festival of light and arguably the second biggest festival celebrated in Nepal.

Tips for First-Time Nepal Visitors

• If you are planning to visit Nepal during the peak travel seasons, we recommend applying for an e-visa via the official immigration website of Nepal. This will save you time at the airport.
• Getting Nepalese SIM cards can be handy when you do not have WiFi connections available.
• Cash is the only thing that will get you by in remote villages, so cash out plenty before you start the trek.
• Power outages can be a slight issue infrequently; sometimes, you might not get to charge your devices.

Typical Daily Routine on the Trek

A typical trekking day starts with a filling and energizing breakfast at last night’s accommodation. After grabbing our belongings, we will begin the day’s trek following the lead of the Annapurna Circuit Trek guide. Our lunch will be served at one of the stops we make along the way; we will also have many water breaks throughout the day. Hydration is key to preventing altitude sickness.

Mental Preparation & Trekking Mindset

On this Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary, you will be on the trails for weeks, going from one remote village to another, where just the basic facilities are offered. This can be trivial for a couple of days, but after weeks of living a considerably limited technological life, it can be a bit overwhelming. Also, your daily routine can start to get a little bland during the trekking days.