Annapurna Circuit is a world-renowned trek that encircles the massive Annapurna, offering cascading rivers, diverse landscapes, and an exhilarating Throng-la pass to the arid river valley lower Mustang.
Discovering the unparalleled beauty of Annapurna Circuit Trek is sure that you never have such an experience in your lifetime. Annapurna Trekking is one of the longest and best treks in the world that leads you to mountain ranges of central Nepal through rocky hill terrains, subtropical forests, tranquil villages, and mammals’ paradise. Covering a length of around 170-230km (depending on the start and end point of the trek), this trek encompasses some of the iconic tourist attractions like Muktinath temple, Manang, Tilicho Lake, Thorang La Pass, Tatopani, etc.Beginner should take longer time due to safety mesurement.
Annapurna Circuit Trek encircles the incredible Annapurna Massif and offers you majestic views of sky-t towering, snow-capped mountains. The route crosses Manang Valley and Kaligandaki Valley and reaches the highest point at Thorung La Pass (5416m). If you are seeking long holidays then you can combine withManaslu Circuit and Upper Mustang in the high Himalayas of Nepal.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights
- Breathtaking views of stunning snow-filled mountains like Annapurna I (8,091m),-IV, Dhaulagiri (8,164), Manaslu (8,156m), Gangapurna, Tilicho Lake, etc
- An opportunity to discover the tranquil villages and isolated communities and get a first-hand authentic experience of the ancestral traditions of local people
- Experience sanctuary old monastery, caves, Muktinath Temples
- Experience diverse climatic zones, geography, vegetation, faunas, and lifestyle of people
- Dive into the Manang and Kaligandaki valleys seamlessly connected by Throng-la top.
What to Expect on the Annapurna Circuit Journey?
The region for trekking is bestowed with such a diverse ecosystem and cultural influences that almost every step you take on this trip brings a difference in geography, way of life of Himalayan people, and landscape. There is a variety of climatic regions within a span of 120 km; from the tropics at 600m above sea level to the Arctic at 5416m at the Thorang La Pass. With every 1000m rise in elevation, the temperature drops by nearly 6 °C.
Owing to the geo-diversity and complexity, this trek will push you to the limit but the sense of accomplishment and the lifetime experience of astounding mountain wilderness, a different aspect of the Himalayas, dispersed wildlife, and the authentic local experience you will get make the trek worth the effort.
Flora and Fauna Found in Annapurna Trekking
The difference in altitude and climate results in a wide diversity of floras and faunas found in the Annapurna Conservation Area. The common plants you will notice during your trek to Annapurna Circuit include rhododendron, oak, pine, bamboo, fir, maple, etc., and the vegetation available includes barley, potato, wheat, paddy, rice, etc. Likewise, the region is also home to rare and valuable wildlife like snow leopards, lynx, red panda, gaurs (wild ox), musk deer, etc.
Local Culture of Annapurna Region
At the lower foothills of Annapurna Circuit, you will pass through many traditional communities of Gurung, Magar, and Thakali. As you go north to the villages of Manang Valley and lower Mustang, the Tibetan Traditional Culture becomes apparent. Immerse yourself in the authentic culture of the region's ethnic groups.
Do you know, how difficult is Annapurna Trek?
Annapurna Circuit is a moderate to challenging trek that involves 5/6 hours of walking daily from lush green forest to high altitude desert and steep mountain climbs. It is a 2—to 3-week journey through diverse landscapes. If you are beginners for trtekking in mountain then plan for 3 week. Nontheless, Annapurna Round Trek can be done in 9 days for advance trekkers.
Annapurna Round trek reached up 5,416m Throng-la Pass, which can be physically challenging and needs proper acclimatization days to avoid high altitude sickness. The symptoms of High Altitude Sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. The Annapurna Round Walking includes varied terrain and traverses lush subtropical forests, alpine meadows, and scree slopes. Throng-la Pass is a difficult section due to the high elevation, especially in winter- December, January, and February when snow covers the path and makes it slippery and dangerous.
Guide and Porter for Annapurna Trek
Annapurna Trek has good development, with lodge and Guesthouse along the route providing good food and accommodation, making it more accessible compared to Nar Phu Valley Trek. In higher elevation, you may do more basic and dormitory accommodation. A professional, Knowledgeable guide can make your trip different! Our guide is not only a trekking and mountain guide. He is a storyteller, proactive, and laughter, and knows altitude sickness. He holds the wilderness training, Trek guide training, First Aid training, Skil Training. Our porter is strong, supportive, honest and they have first hand knowladgeable of the destination they are going. Having a guide and porter makes your journey easier and safer.
Best Time for Annapurna Circuit
The best times for the Annapurna treks are September to December and March to June, offering stable weather, clear skies, and vibrant landscapes. Global Eco Trails ensures a seamless experience during these optimal trekking periods. July to September is the monsoon season when floods and landslides may disturb in lower part but the views are still beautiful. January and February are too cold and the high pass (Throng la) can be closed because of low temperatures but if the cold is not a matter with you I strongly recommend it for this winter season. However, Mountain is always cold and the propper trekking gear is essentials for your safety and comfortable trek. Visit here for the trek check list.
Annapurna Circuit Cost and Itinerary?
The cost of the Annapurna Circuit trek can vary depending on a few factors, group size, length of trek, time of the year, currency conversion rate, and level of service. However, you can expect to pay between 900 USD to 1400 USD for a typical 14-day to 18-day trek in full package. Please see below details of the package includes and excludes. The 21-day Annapurna Circuit trek shrinks down to 14 days due to the road development. Our meticulously crafted 14-day itinerary ensures an acclimatization day at Manang to avoid altitude sickness. The given itinerary is outlined and it depends on the supplier and customer. We are happy to customize the Annapurna Round Trek itinerary as per your time frame and interest.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a bucket list adventure for every mountain lover. Embark on our 14-day unforgettable adventure with a Government-license company ensuring safety and satisfaction at affordable cost. Our leaders have deep knowledge about the destination and good connections with locals guaranteeing the best value and unforgettable trek.