Overview
The Annapurna Circuit is a 150-mile-long trek that circles the entire Annapurna massif and offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna Himalayan range. In the Annapurna region, you'll see Annapurna I (8,091m), which is the 10th highest mountain in the world, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri (8,167m), and Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s 7th highest mountain.
The trail starts in an anti-clockwise direction. During the Annapurna Circuit with Ghorepani Trek, you'll pass through beautiful villages inhabited by different ethnic groups, and you'll see landscapes ranging from lowland farming terrain to alpine meadows and Tibet-like country on the northern slopes of the Himalayas.
To start the trek, you need to travel by bus/ jeep for six hours from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (830m). During the first few days of the trek, you will hike through rice farms, forests, and villages in the lower section of the Annapurna Conservation Area. After five days, you will reach Manang at an elevation of 3500m, where you can acclimate to the altitude and enjoy breathtaking mountain views. The landscape in Mustang is unique and unlike anywhere else in Nepal, as it is located behind the Annapurna range in a rain shadow area that blocks rainfall and creates a desert-like terrain. From Manang, you will go on gently climbing,
On the twelfth day of your trek, you will embark on a journey to cross the iconic Thorung La pass which stands tall at an altitude of 5416m. Upon crossing the pass, you will head towards Muktinath, an important religious tour site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Crossing Thorung La is a technically easy task and promises to be an unforgettable experience. After crossing the pass, you will make a long but easy descent into the Kali Gandaki River valley, where you will be surrounded by towering Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains on either side. Finally, you will visit the Muktinath temple.
In the Muktinath temple site, if you follow the Hindu religion, you can take a bath in 108 taps and 2 ponds to cleanse yourself of all your sins. On day 16, as you move downhill, you will reach Tatopani where you can relax and take a bath in natural hot springs.
Looking for a journey full of beauty and meaning? Learn about the Poon Hill Muktinath Trek and start your unforgettable adventure in Nepal.
Then, you climb Poon Hill, which is above Ghorepani, to take in breathtaking vistas of the mountains. On your way back to Pokhara, you'll pass by several stunning Gurung villages that are the focal point of this historic salt trade route between Tibet and India. Every village teahouse along the path offers lodging and meals. March through May are the finest months to do this trek as during this time the vibrant rhododendron blooms along the path in the Annapurna region's lower elevations.
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Jeebit Maharjan
6th Aug 2024The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a truly breathtaking adventure that every trekking enthusiast should experience at least once. The journey offers diverse landscapes, ranging from lush subtropical forests to arid high-altitude deserts. The views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges are simply awe-inspiring. The trek is challenging but rewarding, with the Thorong La Pass being a highlight. The local culture and hospitality add to the experience, making it a memorable and enriching journey. Ensure to prepare adequately for the altitude and enjoy the natural beauty and serenity that this trek offers.