The Annapurna Circuit or Around Annapurna trek has long been one of the most popular trekking trails in Nepal, due to its amazing diversity.
Here you can see and enjoy the Himalayas at their best, including Dhaulagiri 8167m, Annapurna I (8091m), Manaslu (8163), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III(7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (7219m), Nilgiri (7041m), Machhapuchhre (also called Fishtail) (6998m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Lamjung Himal (6986m), Tukuche peak (6920m) and Tilicho peak (7134m) among others. Since the Manang area was opened to trekkers in 1977, the complete Annapurna Circuit trek has become a much-anticipated attraction for many tourists, as the region is rich in breathtaking scenes. Besides that, visitors can explore the diverse culture, the lifestyle of the local people, as well as the flora and fauna. You can see the blend of culture, the different castes and creeds living in the area: namely Brahmin, Chhetri, Tibetan, Thakali, Magar, Tamang, Gurung, Ghale and Lo.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the classic trekking routes in the world. The circuit goes around the whole of the Annapurna Himal, following the courses of two mighty rivers, namely the Marsyangdi in the east and the Kali Gandaki in the west. The trail crosses the 5416m-high Thorong La pass between the upper reaches of the two rivers. The Kali Gandaki is the world’s deepest gorge, flanked by the giant Dhaulagiri and the gigantic Annapurna range.
The trek begins from Bhulbhule, Ngadi or Chamje, some 6–8hrs drive from Kathmandu, and we continue through Dharapani to Chame. Once in Pisang the scenery is dry and barren up to Manang (3540m), especially around the high villages of Ghyaru and Ngawal on an alternative high trail. There are great views of Annapurna II (7937m), III (7555m), IV (7525m) and Gangapurna (7455m) before we finally reach Manang. Here we rest to acclimatise and explore some of the surrounding area. Subsequently we head up to Churi Lattar (Ledar) (4030m) before spending the night at Thorong Phedi. The crossing of the Thorong La pass (5416m) is hard but spectacular and then we descend to Muktinath (3800m). We spend time exploring the area before heading to Kagbeni (3100m) and Jomsom (2770m), from where we fly back to Kathmandu.
Alternatively, to complete the circuit, we can head along the Kali Gandaki to Marpha, Tukuche and Tatopani hot springs. Despite the new road, it is still a very good trek, but if time is short, it is possible to take a bus or jeep via Tatopani and Beni to Pokhara. Another alternative is to trek up to Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Ghandruk, Landruk and Pothana before finally reaching Pokhara, from where we either fly or take a bus to Kathmandu.
