98510 22507 (Mahendra)
About Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit Trek has been offering itself as one of the most spectacular and challenging treks to the world since its formal opening in 1977. It takes us all the way behind the mighty Annapurna Range of Himalaya. Amazingly, during the trek we get to see the Himalaya to the south as we are always used to see the Himalaya to the n
orth from Nepal.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is also popular by different names like Annapurna Trek, Annapurna Circle Trek and Annapurna Trekking and so on.
The term Annapurna itself stands for the famous Hindu goddess of prosperity. It is believed that being able to be there is a prayer in itself for your lifelong prosperity.
Although there is a rough motor road even up to Manang (mid part of the trekking route), the most trekkers prefer to start the Annapurna circuit trek from Besisahar (850 m) following an anti-clockwise trail through the beautiful villages of Jagat, Tal, Chame, Manang and innumerable gorgeous hamlets. The reasons for taking the anti-clockwise route right from Besisahar by a majority of trekkers are that firstly, they like to start the trek as it used to be done by the trekkers in the 70’s ad 80’s as the Classic Himalayan Trek; and secondly, the anti-clockwise route enables the trekkers to walk with a slower gain in altitude while the clockwise route from Jomsom is steeper and gains the height much faster. It could be fatal sometimes.
The more the Annapurna circuit trek progresses along the picturesque Marshyangdi River, the view of Mt Manaslu and Mt Himalchuli gets more and more magnificent. Once we reach Manang, we can also opt to hike to the beautiful Tilicho Lake located at a height of 4,919 m. It is from Manang, your gradual uphill walk starts taking you to the top of the Thorung La (pass of 5,416 m), the highest and challenging point of the trek. This amazing trek through Thorong La offers a 360 degree spectacular view of the Annapurna Range for which trekkers die hard to walk through the pass.
Our decent from the pass will take us to Muktinath Temple and to Jomsom from where we can shorten our trek by taking a flight of just 45-50 minutes to Pokhara. Or, we could continue a downhill trail for some days via Tatopani, Ghasa, Poon Hill and end trek at Nayapool and take a bus or car to Pokhara depending upon your time availability and interest.
During the whole circuit trek, the great view of the mighty Mt Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna I – IV and above all, Mt Dhaulagiri leaves us speechless in admiration. More interestingly, when we walk down from Muktinath to Jomsom, the dramatic view of the world’s deepest river gorge called Kaligandi River belt is awe inspiring.
The Annapurna Circuit trek is not only admired for its natural scenery, but also for its rich culture, ethnic diversity, age-old religions and warm people. The trek, although short, but presents a wide climatic variations and richness in its flora and fauna. At the end of the trek, each and every trekker expresses his/her word of appreciation for the picturesque landscape and unique hospitality of the local people from this area.
Trip Highlights
- Awe inspiring encounter with the Mt Annapurna I-IV, Mt Macchapucchare and Mt Dhaulagiri,
- Crossing Thorong La (pass of 5,416 m), a big attraction to all trekking fans,
- The trek is always surprising,
- Innumerable waterfalls with rich flora and fauna en route,
- Colorful prayer flags beautifully flapping here and there, on the trail, on the houses, on the monasteries, on the bridges and on the passes,
- Uniquely beautiful Manang Village,
- Muktinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimages,
- Numerous attractive trekking peaks en route alluring us to climb
- Kagbeni, gateway to the upper Mustang, still a semi-restricted area and requires a special permit,
