Overview

A trip to Nepal, without trekking, is like going to Italy and not trying a pizza or pasta. Out of all the trekking routes in the world, one of the most famous trekking trails is the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The route is more than 250km, which goes around the Annapurna Mountain Range. Due to the various types of landscapes found along the way and the vast distance of the route, Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered to be one of the best trekking routes by many professional trekkers.

You will be amazed by the high mountains, the exquisite landscape, and the friendly and courteous, native people who reside within the nooks of the mountain range. In addition to the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Seven Passes Trek or Annapurna Seven Hills trek is also popular within the region. However, these are less traversed routes and are off the beaten path trek in the region. No matter which route you pick, the natural majesty of the mountain range surrounding you will not fail to enthrall you. The mountain scenery, seen at close quarters includes the Annapurna Massif-Annapurna I-IV, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda. Numerous other peaks of 6000-8000m in elevation rise from the Annapurna range.

The landscape during the trekking of the circuit varies according to the altitude. You start at a low altitude amongst lush trees and civilization and gradually begin to climb. One moment you are walking through lush vegetation as dense as a jungle, but once you reach the altitude of 4000m, the landscape radically transforms into a rugged landscape with almost no vegetation. Despite the barrenness of the area, it boasts an abundance of Yaks. These animals are ubiquitously used by all the locals in the surrounding vicinity.

Crossing two different river valleys is mandatory on this route. You will also have to cross over numerous suspended bridges, waterfalls, lakes, hot springs and some glaciers; all while some of the highest mountains in the world surround you. The feeling of tranquility is innate, as you see natural wonder and beauty everywhere.

The culture surrounds you on this trek, as the route goes through many villages – where you sleep and eat in basic hostels and have the opportunity to learn about the way people have lived for hundreds of years. The Annapurna Circuit Trek goes through the Thorung La Pass at 5416m – the highest point in the trekking route. This pass is the hardest stage of the circuit, because of the accumulated fatigue of the days already traveled, and more importantly the difficulty of scaling great height yet to be ascended. Due to the high altitude of the pass, people often succumb to altitude sickness. As the sickness can affect anyone irrespective of their level of fitness, you should be extra cautious about your health while crossing the pass, As you gain altitude and approach the border with Tibet, you can see a lot of Tibetans and very less Nepalese living in those villages

Trekking can be done independently, although it is always better to hire the services of a guide in Kathmandu or Pokhara and some porters if necessary. The whole circuit can be completed in 21-25 days. You have the option of starting the trek from either Beisahar or Birethani located in the Marshyangdi river valley, and ultimately concluding the trek in Kali Gandaki Gorge.

Itinerary

1.
Shuttle to the Hotel, after landing in the International Airport of Kathmandu.
2.
Sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley
3.
Drive to Basisahar by tourist bus and trek to Bhulbule - 6 hours.
4.
Trek to Jaget - 6 hours
5.
Trek to Dharapani - 7 hours.
6.
Climb up to Chame through Danaque, Timamg Koto - 6 hours
7.
Trek to Upper Pisang - 5 hours.
8.
Trek to Manang Upper Trail, Ghramu-Nawel. - 7 hours.
9.
Acclimatization day side trip to Ice Lake meleropa Cave, or Gangapurna Glacier Walk. - 7 hours
10.
Trek to Yak Kharaka - 4 hours.
11.
Trek to Thorong Phedi located at 4,540m.
12.
Climb up to the biggest pass Throng-La at 5,416m and drop down to Muktinath.
13.
Trek to Kagbeni - Jomsom.
14
Trek to Tukuche Kobang - bus to Tatopani (Natural Hot Spring)
15.
Drive back to Pokhara.
16.
Pokhara City Sightseeing.
17.
Drive back to Kathmandu.
18.
Farewell