Visiting the Annapurna Circuit Trek would be an adventurous and a mind refreshing trek as the Annapurna region. Annapurna Region is one of the most geographically and culturally diverse regions in Nepal. Annapurna Circuit Trek was first opened to foreigners in the early 1980s. Trekkers have been praising the 128 miles course that circles Nepal’s paradise high Annapurna extend as the heavenly vessel of trekking since it was first opened to the nonnatives in the mid-1980’s.
Crossing through Manang, the trek starts with views of the Manaslu range, Tibetan (Buddhist) villages, through the Marshyangdi Valley. Heading towards the Thorong La Pass (5,416m-17769ft), you will see a lot of mountains view, including the Annapurna Massif(8,091m-26545ft), Dhaulagiri(8,167m-26794ft), Manaslu(8,163m-26781ft), and Tilicho Peak. The trek continues over the pass to enter Mustang and the Hindu pilgrimage town of Muktinath and past the unique and interesting village of Marpha with its small monastery, narrow cobbled streets, and apple orchards, on to the hot springs at Tatopani and the Viewpoint Of Poon Hill.
From Poon Hill, it is possible to see more than 20 of the highest mountains within the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Annapurna Circuit Trek consists of beautiful mountain hamlets, rhododendron forests, and over the foothills. You can also get an opportunity to enjoy and see the exotic wildlife of the Annapurna region, many pilgrimage sites, and moreover, huts and living places in this area are more comfortable and luxurious. You can also get an opportunity to see innumerable rivers, streams, stunning waterfalls, gurgling hot springs as well as the deepest gorge in the world, The Kali Gandaki Gorge during this trip.
So, reaching Annapurna Circuit Trek starts with jungle and then climbing through the terraced fields carved out of the greenery. Then we head to the pines jungle which is much deep and tall. And then going ahead after certain days the high Himalayas emerges in sneak peeks and tantalizing views.
Taking our trek further, we head to reach a height of (5,416m-17769ft), which is called Throng la, the highest point of the circuit where you can see mountains reflecting the sunrays and the beautiful scenarios of the tallest mountains.
Highlights
- Tilicho Lake- The lake is situated at the highest altitude (4,919m-16138ft) in the world.
- Deepest gorge- Kali Gandaki.
- Natural Hot Springs.
- Amazing sunrise/sunset view from Poon Hill and Thorong La Pass(5,416m-17769ft).
- Muktinath Temple-one of the most important temple for both Hindus and Buddhists.
- Pokhara- Lake city.
- Lush forests of Rhododendrons and oaks.
- Glimpses of Rural Nepalese lifestyle.
- Traditional Gurung Villages.
- Diverse Floral and Faunal Species.
- Get a marvelous opportunity to explore the Annapurna region.
Itinerary
Namaste and welcome to Nepal. Our Team will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and will transfer you to the hotel.
You can stroll around the streets of Thamel if time permits. Thamel is the key touristic site in Kathmandu.
We will introduce you to the guide who will get you to the Annapurna region under the Annapurna Circuit Trek package. He will assure all the requirements prior to the trek.
We will reach Jagat by road. It will take nearly 10 hours to get there from the capital, Kathmandu. You will get an opportunity to acquaint yourself with countryside Nepal while on this ride.
Here begins our trekking! After breakfast, we proceed toward Dharapani. We will be entering into Manang district and is also known as the desert area of Nepal due to least rainfall. Waterfalls on the way to Dharapani is quite fascinating for trekkers. Crossing Kodo and walking for a few more minutes, we reach in Dharapani.
Trek today will attract you as you will get an astounding view of a couple of minor peaks while on the way to Chame. It (Chame) is the headquarter of the Manang district. Gurungs are the major inhabitants of this place. There are popular for valor and unique culture and traditions.
Before arriving in Chame we have to experience a steep climb for roughly two hours from Danakyu. It will lead us to Tamang village followed by Chame.
Ah! What a pleasant hike! As we proceed toward Pisang, we will start getting closer views of Annapurna II (7,937m-26040ft) at South and Paung Danda at north-east. Despite a few up and down, we will be walking on a flat trail.
Nawal village is the first on the way destination to Manang. Gurung, Magar, and Ghyarung are the major natives of this small settlement, Nawal. As we head further, the site will gradually unfold the majestic view of mountains.
Manang will present the beauty of Annapurna II and IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak. Gangapurna and Tilicho glaciers.
Acclimatization is most while on the trek as it will help your body to adjust with increasing elevation. Despite the rest day, we will be going for a short hike. You will be visiting monasteries that will reveal the grip of Tibetan Buddhism in this part of the country. We will also pave the way to Ice Lake.
Hold your breathe and have patience! You will be passing through challenging trail today. The path is not even of a foot at some places and you have to cautiously put your feet. But the best part of mastering this trail is that it will reward you with an astounding view of Tilicho Peak.
We will start our hike early in the morning as this will help us to avoid wind that blows harshly during noon. It will take us nearly four hours to get to Tilicho Lake. We return to Base Camp after spending a couple of minutes and back to base camp.
It is a relatively easy trail as we will be a following ascending trail. We cross Jarsang Khola Valley and arrive at Yak-Kharka leaving Marshyangdi Valley beyond. The view of Annapurna III is truly mesmerizing.
The initial part of the trek is an uphill climb which will bring us to Ledar village. We walk for a few more hours to enter the village of Thorong Phedi which is the last settlement before Thorong La Pass. Major attractions of this place are Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak, and Mt. Khatungkan.
So, are you ready for the pass, Thorong La Pass? You have to be because uneasiness will lead you nowhere and the only way out is to master the challenge. We will be crossing the pass from Manang to Muktinath—east to west. The spectacular view that you will experience from the pass-the highest point of the trek is something which could not be expressed in words. In short, marvelous.
Muktinath is a religious site of this country. It is a common shrine of both—Hindus and Buddhists. Lord Bishnu (Hindu god) is worshipped here and the priest performs rituals based on Buddhism.
Trek to Jomsom is really a great experience and quite easy. The destination, Jomsom, is popular for an apple orchard and local wine made of apple. You can enjoy the wine today.
It is scenic but thrilling drive as the road is uneven at some places. Despite this, the experience of a ride at this part of the world is worth. We will be in Pokhara by late noon.
Early in the morning, we will catch a tourist bus to get in Kathmandu. By 2 pm you will be in a capital where you can roam around. We will offer you a farewell dinner in the evening.
